Kaliati: Are all of you here from the same media house?
By Burnett Munthali
In a recent press conference, United Democratic Front (UDF) senior politician Patricia Kaliati responded sharply when asked by a journalist about the state of the political alliance. The journalist inquired whether the alliance between various political parties was still strong and intact.
Kaliati, known for her straightforward and often candid remarks, responded by challenging the journalist’s perspective. “Are all of you here from the same media house? Aren’t you from different radio and TV stations?” she asked, pointing out that despite their differences, they all had come together for the same purpose—reporting the news.
She used the analogy to highlight that, just like journalists from various media houses, political parties could work together toward a common goal despite their individual differences. “The same applies to the parties that are here today. We only want MEC to fix their processes,” she added, stressing that their focus was on ensuring transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections, rather than on internal disputes within the alliance.
Kaliati’s remarks reflect the sentiments of many opposition leaders who are pushing for electoral reforms, specifically urging the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to address concerns regarding the upcoming 2025 elections. Political alliances, much like media collaborations, may have diverse backgrounds and interests, but when united by a common cause, they can work effectively to achieve shared objectives.
Her comments underline the call for unity, particularly in addressing national issues, while also ensuring that the Electoral Commission delivers a credible and fair election process.