By Jones Gadama
Malawi Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR) recently disclosed that Adil James Chilungo is the only Independent presidential candidate with a sound and meaningful manifesto. The National Planning Commission has so far certified the manifesto saying it aligns with national development agenda. Jones Gadama caught up with Adil James Chilungo in an exclusive interview. Excerpts.
Jones: Thank you, Adil, for taking the time to speak with me today. Your manifesto has been making waves, and I’d love to dive deeper into your vision for Malawi.
Jones: What inspired you to run for presidency, and what’s driving your campaign? Adil: I’m running for presidency because I’m infuriated by man-made hunger, crippling interest rates, and inequitable distribution of public resources. I believe that with the right leadership, we can solve these problems and create a prosperous Malawi.
Jones: Your manifesto emphasizes climate-smart agriculture and modernizing the sector. Can you elaborate on your plans? Adil: We plan to prioritize irrigation farming, promote the use of organic fertilizers, and ensure that all fertilizing inputs demonstrate their contribution to climate-smart agriculture. Our goal is to end hunger and make Malawi food-secure.
Jones: How do you plan to address the issue of high interest rates and make business capital more accessible? Adil: We plan to introduce non-interest banking and profit-and-loss-sharing productive investments. This will help reduce the burden on small businesses and make capital more accessible to those who need it.
Jones: Your manifesto mentions reclaiming powerful African traditional moral values. Can you explain what you mean by this? Adil: We want to promote values such as truth, justice, and perfection, which are essential for development. By reclaiming these values, we can create a society that is more cohesive and focused on development.
Jones: How do you plan to promote small businesses and employment? Adil: We plan to promote small businesses by providing accessible capital, training, and mentorship. We’ll also create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, which will lead to job creation and economic growth.
Jones: Your manifesto highlights the need for equitable distribution of income. How do you plan to achieve this? Adil: We plan to implement need-driven development priorities and ensure that resources are allocated fairly across the country. We’ll also promote policies that reduce inequality and promote economic inclusion.
Jones: Can you tell us about your experience with manufacturing and distributing organic fertilizers? Adil: I’ve already started promoting climate-smart agriculture by manufacturing and distributing Glowbest FH100 fish-based 100% organic liquid fertilizer. This experience has given me valuable insights into the potential of sustainable agriculture.
Jones: How do you plan to work with different stakeholders, including religious leaders, to achieve your development goals? Adil: We plan to institute inter-religious alliances for development, which will help us tap into the collective wisdom and resources of different faith communities. By working together, we can achieve more than we can alone.
Jones: MIPAR has praised your manifesto, saying it not only stands out among Independent presidential candidates but also surpasses some known parties. What do you attribute this success to, and how does it boost your confidence in winning the elections? Adil: I attribute this success to our team’s dedication to understanding the real needs of Malawians and developing practical solutions. This recognition boosts my confidence because it shows that our approach is not only innovative but also resonates with the aspirations of Malawians.
Jones: What’s your message to Malawians who are looking for a leader who can bring about real change? Adil: My message is that we can do better. We can create a Malawi that’s prosperous, equitable, and just. I’m committed to working tirelessly to achieve this vision, and I invite all Malawians to join me on this journey. Together, we can restore dignity to our nation and create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.
