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Joyce Banda Adamant on Reforms, Debate Gay Rights

President Banda of Malawi has given her first live interview to a private broadcaster, saying she will not backtrack on her economic reforms despite alienating some sections of society.

The president was speaking in a public discussion programme hosted by Zodiak Broadcasting Station Monday morning from the presidential resort of Chikoko Bay in the lakeshore district of Mangochi where she spending her Christmas and New Year holiday .

Among other demands, the activists led by the Consumers Association of Malawi, want the president to reduce foreign and domestic travel as well as stop floatation of the Kwacha.

They have issued her with a 14-day ultimatum, rekindling memories of the July 20 demonstrations in which police shot dead 20 people in protests against rising cost of living and poor governance in the regime of Bingu wa Mutharika .

President Banda said she has not received the petition (from CAMA) which threatens demonstrations if the 14-day deadline is not met.

She, however, added she cannot stop people from demonstrating saying it is their constitutional right .

“Personally, I can’t say people should not hold demonstrations. But I believe that they are aware of where we are coming from and the magnitude of the problems that we had in the country, as well as what we are doing so far,” appealed President Banda.

“I hope the organizers of the demonstrations will also be able to tell whether we are trying our level best or not, and also what we’ve told them how long it will take us to solve these problems”, she said.

The president has been accused of implementing policies that have put Malawians in an economic mess instead of bailing them out.

“When we came into power we found the twenty-point plan by the CSO’s that was presented on 20 July last year. We inherited all the problems like the fuel crisis, which we are trying to address,” she said adding;

“People should ask themselves whether it is be possible to end all these problems within the eighteen months that we have set aside. On our part we think we are doing our best to end these problems within the stipulated eighteen months, but if some people think we are not doing enough, then let them march.”

Mrs Banda said most of those who are complaining against the demonstrations are small-scale traders who fear this will disrupt the economy in the country.

GAY RIGHTS

President Banda said the final say on whether to repeal laws that penalize homosexual rests with parliament.
She, however, added that Malawi cannot be forced by any donor to follow any particular path on this.

“On the issue of gay rights, I’ve already made my position clear: that, as a president, according to the Constitution, I’ve no powers to make laws.

“I won’t make any laws regarding gay rights. Personally, I’ve my own feelings on gay rights, but, as a president, I won’t force my gay rights feelings on Malawians,” said President Banda.

“On the other hand, I’ve told Malawians to discuss the matter and whatever Malawians will agree will become a law regarding gay rights in the country”, stated the president.

But writing on a Zodiak Online Facebook page Thoko Kapichi dismissed the president’s remarks:

“…. If it’s about parliament, then why you did you suspend the law instead of waiting for the same parliament to decide?”

Darius Longwe said: “Good president! Our constitution grants us rights in all equality. Let gays live! Real gays may be better sexually than promiscuous so claimed straights. Blunt hand clapper spoon-fed lot called MPs pathetic and hopeless dudes as you look into this matter civility is a necessity. Gain a distinction with gays. Be rationally honourable on this one.”

This was the first time a Malawian president had taken part in such a radio talk show where people were offered the opportunity to ask the president questions via phone calls and text messages.

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