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.
