Malawi needs an 'Obama'

By Vincent Kumwenda

American Elections have come and gone but have left around a legacy that will haunt the African democracies and the rest of the world forever, the rise and election of President Barack Obama. Coming from a minority race in the American populace, equipped with eloquent speeches, cross cutting issues and a powerful voice that reached out to all people around the world, Obama has ushered in a new era of politics. 
 
With keen interest Malawians have watched the whole process learning one or two things from it. Now they wait, hoping another Obama will rise in the country as we draw close to the elections. Nomination papers have been presented to the Electoral Commission and the same old politicians are leading the race with nothing new to offer. 
 
Silently we wait, ready to follow at the sign of his emergence. A leader who will rise to unite the nation regardless of the regions people are coming from, their denominations or political affiliations. A person who will address issues and not personalities, will inspire hope in them and remind them that they can make a difference. A person who will practice real democracy, respect the rule of law, put his emphasis on development, resurrect the dying education system, define a proper health care system and bring justice to the masses. 
 
In the north people are waiting anxiously for this Obama who will develop the region as he will do in the south and centre. A wise person who will not be involved in the politics of kuthana, kunyenyananyenyana ndi kuchekanachekana or kusolola. He will have the welfare of people at heart. He will not use swearing words in rallies, respect opposing views and reach out to other parties. 
 
People of Nsanje are tired of the same old politicians who have been around since independence claiming to own the Lower Shire yet they don't develop it. Now they wait for an Obama, who has no tainted past, corruption background or a chain of political parties he has joined or disbanded. A person who will bring together people from all races and mulhakhos, his rallies will attract all people and with one voice they will speak change, bring change and embrace change. 
 
Young people have been silent for too long hoping this this Obama will come with clear employment creation plans. Bringing in policies that favour the youth all over the country. Not the very same people we read in the history books who are now either bald or gray haired. In the capital people are on their knees ready to join the others when he comes. Not to be left out in the rewriting of the country's history when a new leader springs out. 
 
Unfortunately it seems we have to wait a little longer, because the current crop offers no hope. The same recycled politicians are gracing the podiums in new party colours. Running away from the real issues that affect Malawians and targeting personalities. Twisting and raping the constitution at will to favour them. Masquerading as biblical prophets and messias while they plunder economies in our full view. 
 
Lets keep our fingers crossed that we will be there when he comes. He will surely come no matter what or how long it takes. Americans had to wait for many decades, enduring the suffering that costed some lives. When he came he needed no introduction to the masses who were anxiously waiting for him. Yes We Can !! was enough to bring them together. 

The author is a freelance writer based in Mulanje. He writes on his blogs www.vincekumwenda.blogspot.com