Just to offer my congratulations to Mrs Joyce Banda for being picked as Bingu wa Muntharika's running mate in the coming elections
This is a very good evidence that our 15 year old democracy is fast maturing, and it should be an encouragement, not only to women, but everyone: everything is possible. Raise your hand if you could have predicted a woman contesting for presidency in Malawi today, this is an achievement already, and all well-mannered citizens must applaud the effort.
Typically, critics will point out to the fact that vice presidents, all over the world, do not have much to do, which I think it is a point worth making - just don't say it to Dick Cheney - I am told he ruled the game, and not George Bush (Dubya). However, I think any of such critics would only be confirming that our (Malawi) democracy is maturing: Freedom of expression, and the power of freethinking at its best! And, no single critic will deny Mrs Banda's place in history: she is a first woman to contest for such a high position in Malawi.
Long at last girls in Malawi can have someone to aspire to, a proper role model, right on their door steps. These are historic times indeed, Obama in America, Johnston in Liberia, and surely Malawi will be part of it. History has been made, regardless what the outcome of the polls will be. Let meritocracy rule!!