By Twink Jones Gadama
The once-ubiquitous phrase “Boma ndilomweli sitikusintha” (this is the government we are not changing), which was proudly touted by the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) as a symbol of its confidence in its leadership and policies, has undergone a drastic transformation.
In a scathing indictment of the MCP’s governance, Malawians have mockingly replaced the phrase with “Bodza ndilomweli” (this is the deception), primarily in response to President Chakwera’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), which many felt was deceptive and failed to address pressing national issues.
Furthermore, the party’s failure to deliver on its campaign promises has only added to the growing perception of deception, prompting Malawians to adopt the mocking phrase.
At the heart of the controversy lies President Chakwera’s recent state of the national address, which was widely anticipated to provide a roadmap for the country’s development.
Instead, many Malawians felt that the president’s speech was riddled with inaccuracies and failed to address pressing issues such as poverty, corruption, and unemployment.
“We were expecting the president to provide a clear vision for the country’s future, but what we got was a bunch of lies and empty promises,” said Emily Jere, a concerned citizen. “It’s no wonder that people are now saying ‘Bodza ndilomweli’ – the MCP has indeed deceived us.”
The MCP’s response to the criticism has been lukewarm, with party officials dismissing the allegations as “baseless” and “politically motivated.”
However, many Malawians remain unconvinced, citing the party’s failure to deliver on its campaign promises as evidence of its deception.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the MCP will respond to the growing discontent among Malawians.
One thing is certain, however – the party’s reputation has taken a hit, and it will require more than just rhetoric to restore public trust.
In the meantime, the phrase “Bodza ndilomweli” continues to gain traction, serving as a rallying cry for those who feel deceived by the MCP’s promises. As one social media user aptly put it, “The MCP’s deception has been exposed, and it’s time for them to take responsibility for their actions.”
The Malawi Congress Party’s leadership would do well to take heed of the growing discontent among Malawians.
By acknowledging the concerns of its citizens and taking concrete steps to address them, the party may yet be able to salvage its reputation and regain public trust.
However, until then, the phrase “Bodza ndilomweli” will continue to serve as a reminder of the MCP’s deception.
