APM, the ball is in your court

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A 2013 chart-bursting hit Zili ndi Iwe by Maskal depicts a lover pledging unconditional love while throwing the ball to the partner. 

Maskal sings: Zili ndi iwe kuti udzandikonde/Zili ndi iwe udzandinyoze/Poti chikondi chonse ndapereka kwa iwe/

Loosely translated, "it is up to you to love, dump or embarrass me. For I have given myself all to you." 

Like that lover, the September 16 General Election seems to pose the challenge to presidential candidate, Professor Peter Mutharika alias APM. 

There's a general feeling that the presidential race is for APM to lose. 

In a simplistic view, life is harder in contrast to APM administration and that is enough reason to make Malawians impulsive.

Prices of essentials is beyond the reach of Malawians, supplies such as sugar, fuel, medicines in hospitals are erratic and other a myriad blunders.  

Going by current popular opinion, APM is the most preferred candidate given the shifting political mood swings of Malawian voters.

This isn't mere fancying, but this is a reason enough to ignite a nostalgic of APM's administration and put him back in power.  

But the irony is that APM seems unwitting to turn such public support into votes. 

Whether it's a tactical plan, but his seclusion from the public is reinforcing conspiracy talk surrounding his capacity to withstand the gruelling campaign. 

It's not good optics given the nature of Malawi politics. Voters are hardwired to see their party leaders around, going out to interact with them. 

However, APM's public appearances are erratic. Of course, APM avoids public spectacle, but such 'shy' attitude won't help. 

Dear APM, 

The ball is in your court and it's up to you to score. The public support is there for you to see.  Please don't take it for granted. 

Bwana APM, 

Mobilise the opposition to unseat MCP from power or risk losing the support of the desperate Malawians buckling under the weight of hardship. 

Remember, MCP can use the power of incumbency to throw carrots at weary voters --and they are doing it already. 

Meanwhile, 26 000 teachers are on the cards to be recruited, public service promotions are some of the hooks. 

They will not let power slip from their fingers easily; they will put a fight because stakes are high. 

So, never be disillusioned. Join the hunt for votes. People need you out there, speak to them, inspire them. 

Zili ndi inu bwana APM. Listen to what Maskal is saying.

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