Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-20 09:44:08
The Tonse Alliance, consisting of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM, has been under scrutiny since its inception in March 2020 and subsequent victory in the elections three months later. The alliance was forged in response to the Constitutional Court’s ruling for a rerun of the 2019 presidential election due to irregularities. With UTM leader Saulos Chilima joining forces with MCP’s Lazarus Chakwera, the alliance emerged triumphant in the polls.
Both MCP and UTM have provided contrasting assessments of the alliance’s performance. MCP believes that the alliance has effectively served the Malawian people, emphasizing that development projects have been distributed evenly across all regions. Despite occasional disagreements among supporters on social media platforms, MCP maintains that the alliance has achieved its goals. However, they acknowledge that the agreement may not extend beyond the current government tenure, suggesting the need for a fresh agreement with future collaborators.
On the other hand, UTM has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the alliance, citing challenges encountered along the way. While acknowledging some areas of success, UTM refrains from delving into the reasons behind any perceived failures at this time. People’s Party (PP) believes that the alliance has fulfilled its purpose, while Alliance for Democracy (Aford) remains ambiguous about any progress, stating that everything came to an end after the election.
According to PP spokesperson Ackson Kalaile Banda, the Tonse Alliance Government has faced numerous challenges, including the impact of Covid and other disasters, which have hindered the fulfillment of some promises. However, political and social commentator Wonderful Mkhutche argues that the alliance has not delivered the change it promised to Malawians. Mkhutche points out that despite being voted as an alliance, Tonse appears to be falling apart after only four years in power, leading to disappointment among the populace.
Initially comprised of nine partners, the Tonse Alliance saw some parties, such as the People’s Transformation Party, withdraw from the deal due to governance shortcomings like corruption. The alliance’s trajectory, from its formation to its current state, reflects a mixed bag of successes, challenges, and uncertainties regarding its future.
In conclusion, the Tonse Alliance’s performance since coming into power has sparked debate and divided opinions among its key partners and observers. While some believe that the alliance has made significant strides in addressing national issues, others question its effectiveness and ability to deliver on its promises. As the alliance navigates through the complexities of governance and public expectations, the road ahead remains uncertain, with potential for further shifts in alliances and strategies in the political landscape of Malawi.
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