By Pemphero Malimba:
The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has suspended its primary elections, which were being conducted in the Eastern Region.
Early this month, the party embarked on primary elections which it planned to be holding in phases.
The first phase was conducted from April 5 to 6 in some wards and constituencies in Zomba, Mangochi, Machinga and Balaka in the region.
In a statement released over the weekend, the party’s secretary general Genarino Lemani said UDF president Atupele Muluzi had made the decision in consultation with chairperson for the Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Committee [Yusuf Sambo].
“This decision has been made in the interest of maintaining unity, order, and
strategic focus during this critical phase of our campaign,” Lemani said.
He said the party would advise stakeholders on new dates for the primary elections.
“All constituencies and district committees are instructed to hold off on any preparations, communication or activities related to primaries until fresh directives are issued.
“We understand the importance of this process and assure you that the matter will be revisited in due course, with full consultation and guidance,” he said.
He, however, challenged party leaders to continue their preparations for the September 16 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
“In the meantime, we ask for your continued support, discipline and commitment to the broader goals of the party. Let us continue engaging with our communities, spreading our message of real change and preparing for victory in September,” he said.
The party’s spokesperson Dyson Jangia told The Daily Times Sunday that the suspension is aimed at addressing concerns raised during the first phase of the elections.
“We want to consolidate issues to do with the party structures on who are supposed to vote during the primary elections. Currently, there have been disagreements regarding who is supposed to vote; so, we want to sort out all those issues so that there should be no conflict when conducting these elections,” Jangia said.
Meanwhile, Muluzi has appointed several members into the party’s National Executive Committee (Nec).
The members include Shabir Suleman, Kennedy Kuntenga and Samuel Chilembwe.
“These individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment, loyalty and service to the party and the people of Malawi. Their elevation to the Nec is a testament to their dedication and competence. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them on this well-deserved recognition,” he said in a statement.
Recently, political and governance commentator George Chaima urged political parties to hold primary elections quickly.
“Political parties do not have enough time to prepare for the upcoming Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential elections. So, holding primary elections now is crucial. Holding primary elections gives right candidates an opportunity to prepare well for the campaign,” Chaima said.
The governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was the first party to embark on primary elections for members of Parliament and ward councillors across the country.
Currently, the MCP and the opposition Democratic Progressive Party are holding the primary elections in constituencies and wards across the country.
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