Category: News

The opposition United Transformation Movement (UTM) has issued a bold challenge to established political parties ahead of Malawi’s tripartite elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.

UTM, which was once an influential member of the Tonse Alliance that helped bring the current Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government to power in 2020, announced its departure from the coalition last year.

Speaking at Mount Sochi Hotel in Blantyre during the party’s final pre-election press briefing on Tuesday, UTM Secretary General Felix Njawala emphasized the party’s independence.

“Let me be clear, UTM is not part of the MCP, UTM is not part of the road that Malawians are going through. We were never party of the mismanagement that Malawians are suffering today,” Njawala declared.

Njawala characterized the upcoming elections not merely as a political contest, but as “a rescuing mission that the country has embarked on after facing a number of plights for too long.” He dismissed what he termed propaganda from other opposition parties, explaining that UTM had rejected alliance proposals because they would have compromised the party’s principles.

“We refused their terms because we cannot betray our principles. We refused because we stand with Malawians, not with politicians who only want power for themselves,” he said.

The party is positioning its presidential candidate, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, as the solution to Malawi’s economic challenges. Njawala highlighted Kabambe’s credentials as an economist capable of addressing the nation’s financial crisis.

UTM has promised to deliver “affordable fertilizer, good security, jobs and justice” to Malawians, claiming to have developed these solutions after extensive consultation across the country.

UTM is drawing confidence from its 2019 electoral performance, when the party secured 21% of the vote, representing over one million Malawians. Njawala expressed optimism that this base could propel the party to victory.

“If all of us who stood for SKC [the late Dr. Saulos Chilima] in 2019 do it again this time around, adding just a few numbers, we will be number one,” he said. “Do not be deceived by the talks of big parties. In 2019, no one party reached 2 million votes, which means they are not big, but they are simply old.”

The September 16 elections come after five turbulent years marked by economic difficulties, natural disasters, and the tragic death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima, UTM’s founder. Current President Lazarus Chakwera is seeking re-election, with his main challenger being former President Peter Mutharika.

Malawi’s 7.2 million registered voters will participate in three simultaneous elections. The presidential race features 17 candidates vying for the top office, while 229 constituency seats are being contested in parliamentary elections. Additionally, 509 councillor positions are available in local government elections.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has confirmed that all ballot papers have been delivered and are being stored under 24-hour police guard. MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja announced that distribution to district and city commissioners’ offices would proceed in phases this week, with police escorts ensuring security before final deployment to polling centers.

The elections represent a crucial moment for Malawi, with UTM positioning itself as a fresh alternative to what Njawala called the “so-called big parties,” promising to surprise voters with its grassroots approach and economic expertise.

By Lawrence Develious Kaunda:

Presidential candidates Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front (UDF) and Dalitso Kabambe of UTM turned last night’s presidential debate into a love fest, agreeing on almost every major issue instead of clashing over policies.

They only disagreed on electricity where Kabambe pledged that by 2030, all Malawians would be connected to electricity, which Atupele said was impossible.

However, the two found common ground on sending youth abroad to work.

Both acknowledged the benefits of remittances for the economy.

Kabambe said: “Our government will ensure that those going abroad are highly skilled, so they bring back value to the country.”

Meanwhile Muluzi emphasised on domestic solutions, saying,“We need to create jobs here at home so our young people are not forced to leave.”

On the economy more broadly, both blamed poor leadership for Malawi’s challenges.

Kabambe also made a populist pledge, promising that a 50kg bag of fertiliser would cost K50,000 under his administration.

The debate was originally set to feature President Lazarus Chakwera and former president Peter Mutharika, but both were absent.

Joyce Banda, who appeared in the last debate, did not participate this time, leaving the stage to Kabambe and Muluzi.

The two candidates also had advantage of the stage to exchange compliments.

Kabambe said of Muluzi: “Atupele is a man of integrity and impeccable credentials. Malawi needs leaders like him.”

Muluzi returned the favour saying Kabambe was a man of excellence,”his expertise and track record speak for themselves.”

By Lawrence Develious Kaunda:

Vice President Michael Usi has publicly taken a swipe at President Lazarus Chakwera over what he described as unfulfilled promises and delayed action against corruption.

Speaking at Nathenje in Lilongwe during his campaign trail, Usi responded to Chakwera’s yesterday’s national address in which the President claimed some individuals were sabotaging his government.

“I said there is corruption, and the President yesterday agreed with me. But the question is, where are these people? He is seeing them and failing to act, saying he will fire them next week,” Usi said to loud applause, whistles and ululations from his supporters that thronged the M1 road.

In a televised address delivered nocturnally from Sanjika Palace in Blantyre around 8 p.m., Chakwera asked Malawians to forgive him, saying the ongoing fuel crisis had been deliberately created by some officials at the National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma).

“The officials intentionally frustrated the timely importation of fuel to make my administration fail and to benefit from kickbacks,” Chakwera said, adding that motorists had been unfairly caught in the crossfire of a fight against corrupt interests.

The President vowed to fire the officials implicated at Nocma, but only after the September 16 General Election.

Usi, however, criticised the timing, questioning why the action should wait until after the polls.

“Are you sure you will be the one elected? We are many in this race. How do you know Malawians will choose you? Let the thief be arrested today, not tomorrow,” Usi charged.

The VP further criticised Chakwera on other campaign pledges including fertiliser which Chakwera said now pegs AIP at K15,000 for a 50kg bag and K90,000 for organised clubs, down from K160,000—a move many Malawians have already ridiculed on social media.

His remarks signal an open rift at the top of government, with Usi positioning himself as both a critic and challenger to his own boss ahead of the elections scheduled for September 16.

High Court judge Madalitso Khose-Chimwaza has ruled that the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) wrongly disqualified UTM candidate for Nkhotakota Liwaladzi constituency, Daniel Binda, and has ordered for his inclusion amongst contestants.

MEC disqualified Binda because he paid nomination fees under the category of a youth, when he was not.

Binda is 35 years old. The revised National Youth Policy of 2023-2028 defines youth as all persons from the age of 10 to 35 years regardless of their sex, race, education, culture, religion, economic, marital and physical status. However, MEC defines a youth as someone who is less than 35 years old.

Through his lawyer Khwima Mchizi, Binda challenged the decision arguing that MEC did not inform him during both pre-inspection and after nominations presentation of the anomaly.

“We argued that MEC has a legal obligation to inform candidates of any anomaly during the nominations pre-inspection exercise and during the nominations presentation, but this did not happen. They just informed him of the disqualification. If they had informed him at the right time, the mistake would have been corrected.

“So, the court has agreed with us and has ordered MEC to include him on the list of the contestants. What it means is that Binda will just top up the fees,” said Mchizi in an interview.

There was no immediate reaction from MEC as we went to press.

The order comes hours after MEC received a final consignment of ballot papers for the forthcoming elections

By Thando Mkwapatira:

As Vice President Michael Usi was addressing supporters in Ntandile, Lilongwe on Sunday, a surprise gesture from the nearby UTM supporters caught everyone’s attention. They voluntarily turned off their sound system, allowing Usi’s supporters to hear his words without interruption.

Usi, a presidential candidate for the Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu party in the forthcoming general elections, was conducting a whistle-stop tour in the city when he came across the UTM supporters in Ntandire.

As the UTM parade approached the vicinity of Usi’s campaign rally, the supporters, in a show of respect and solidarity, voluntarily turned off their sound system.

This considerate gesture allowed Usi’s supporters to hear their leader’s words without interruption, fostering a sense of unity among all present.

Usi, touched by this display, took a moment to commend the UTM supporters for their thoughtfulness.

“I appreciate your consideration,” he said. “This gesture speaks volumes about the kind of leaders we aim to be, who prioritize the people’s needs and respect our fellow citizens.”

The crowd erupted in applause as Usi continued his speech. By turning off their sound system, the UTM supporters had inadvertently become part of Usi’s rally, demonstrating that politics doesn’t have to be divisive.

This moment of mutual respect and understanding was a testament to the potential for collaboration and unity in Malawi’s political landscape.