As the UTM Party prepares for its crucial elective convention on November 17, 2024, in Mzuzu, significant questions arise about whether the event will proceed as planned amidst a backdrop of unresolved intra-party conflicts and procedural concerns.
Party leader Michael Usi has publicly raised alarms about the national executive committee’s (NEC) handling of the convention preparations, suggesting that critical decisions regarding the date and nomination fees were made without proper discussion or approval.
Usi criticized the NEC for not convening to address essential logistical details, stating, “We needed to meet and discuss these logistics and the budget for the convention.” His comments highlight a troubling lack of transparency and accountability within the party leadership.
Despite Usi’s concerns, UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala has affirmed that the convention will go ahead as scheduled, asserting that candidates are actively campaigning.
However, the tension between Usi and the NEC raises serious doubts about the party’s unity and readiness for the upcoming elections. Usi has warned that failure to follow party procedures could lead to legal challenges regarding the convention’s legitimacy, which could further exacerbate existing divisions.
The backdrop to these issues is the recent turmoil within UTM following the tragic death of its founding leader, Saulos Chilima, in June 2024. Since then, the party has struggled with factionalism, leading to public disagreements that threaten to undermine its electoral prospects. Usi’s rise to leadership, while constitutionally valid, has not quelled dissent among various factions within the party, many of whom are vying for influence as the convention approaches.
With key figures like former Reserve Bank governor Dalitso Kabambe and Secretary General Patricia Kaliati also entering the presidential race, the competition is intensifying. However, the ongoing disputes over procedural integrity could overshadow the electoral process, leaving party members and supporters anxious about the convention’s legitimacy and outcomes.
As the deadline for nominations looms, the situation within UTM remains precarious. Observers are left questioning whether the convention can proceed effectively, or if unresolved intra-party issues will ultimately derail what should be a pivotal moment for the party.
With the stakes high, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether UTM can navigate its internal challenges and present a united front heading into the convention.
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