By Twink Jones Gadama
In a move that has been described as a desperate attempt to curry favor with the clergy, President Lazarus Chakwera has invited a group of pastors from the Blantyre Synod to a luncheon at the State House next week.
The invitation comes barely a day after the same group of pastors paid a courtesy call on former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, sparking speculation that Chakwera is panicking about his chances in the forthcoming elections.
According to sources, a senior minister has been tasked with splashing out K5 million to the pastors as “fuel” to attend the luncheon. “It’s a clear case of vote-buying,” said one of the sources. “The president is desperate to win the support of the clergy, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes.”
However, the moderator of the Blantyre Synod has advised the pastors to receive the envelopes and attend the luncheon, but not to compromise their stand. “The moderator has told us to be diplomatic, but firm,” said one of the pastors. “We will attend the luncheon, but we will not be swayed by the president’s attempts to buy our support.”
The move has been met with skepticism by many Malawians, who see it as a desperate attempt by Chakwera to cling to power. “This is a clear sign of panic,” said one commentator. “Chakwera knows he’s losing support, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win it back.”
The development comes at a time when Chakwera’s popularity is at an all-time low.
The economy is in shambles, and many Malawians are struggling to make ends meet.
As the elections approach, it remains to be seen whether Chakwera’s attempts to win over the clergy will pay off.
