Paul Nyathi

Visiting Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera today met Malawian citizens resident in Zimbabwe where he encouraged them to play their part to deepen cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

Addressing citizens on Thursday at the Malawian embassy, President Chakwera urged them to be law abiding citizen saying they were free to have dual citizenship.

“Malawi has since passed legislation enabling those who live abroad to chose to have dual citizenship should they desire. So, as this country welcomes you to be Zimbabweans, you can also continue to be Malawians because we have a legislation allowing you to do so,” said President Chakwera.

Chakwera who recently won an election rerun in his country touched on democracy, rule of law and free and fair elections.

‘Being a law abiding citizens does not mean being foolish, if we talk of rule of law we are talking of order, institutions should be independent and allowed to exercise that mandate freely, each one playing their role and if by any chance we disagree we are able to find each other and dialogue,” said Chakwera in Chewa.

The eloquent leader called on Malawians living outside the country to participate in the governance of their home country.

“if you too close to the forest, you end up not seeing the trees. In other words we are saying those of you who are far off, those of you who read the situation form a distance because you have seen us making mistakes, please inform us. Do not be afraid and ashamed.”

“Some of you may say, I did not vote for this and I have nothing to do with his mistakes, but we want those views by those who never voted for us, they all inspire success for our country hence your diverse views will assist others.”