Felix Njawala, publicity secretary of the UTM, has been accused of misrepresenting NEC resolutions regarding the party’s upcoming convention, including manipulating the convention date, concealing the venue, and distorting eligibility requirements. Allegations suggest that these actions may stem from ulterior motives to favor a specific presidential candidate, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, as internal tensions rise within the party, jeopardizing its future.
A significant controversy has arisen within the United Transformation Movement (UTM) following allegations against publicity secretary Felix Njawala for distorting key resolutions from the recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. This meeting took place at the residence of Vice President Dr. Michael Usi. Reports indicate that Njawala manipulated crucial details regarding the party’s upcoming convention, including inconsistencies in the date, omission of the venue, and misrepresentation of eligibility criteria. The convention date, which Njawala announced as November 17, 2024, was supposedly ratified in a previous announcement. However, party insiders revealed that this re-announcement was necessary due to the NEC’s failure to confirm the initial date. “He has this thing of going to the public and making statements about things that NEC hasn’t ratified, which is a serious disciplinary issue,” commented an anonymous source. Moreover, despite agreements made during the NEC meeting that Mzuzu would be the location for the convention, Njawala chose not to disclose this venue in his public communication. Instead, he is reportedly advocating for Blantyre, claiming, “Anthu akumpoto ambiri sanawoneko Blantyre, uwu ndi mwayi wawo akawone Blantyre.” The eligibility criteria for the party’s high offices also became a point of contention, as Njawala’s statement did not reflect the NEC’s resolution, which established a requirement for prior party membership of at least two years. Inside sources highlighted that this resolution was a protective measure for the integrity of the party amid anticipated defections and prospective candidates from other political parties. An investigation suggests that Njawala may have ulterior motives, specifically maneuvering to support Dr. Dalitso Kabambe as a presidential candidate. Allegations indicate a financial dependency of Njawala on Kabambe, enhancing suspicions about his commitment to the party’s democratic processes. As the internal conflict escalates, the very future of UTM remains precarious, leading to questions about the resilience of the party amid such upheaval. Attempts to contact Njawala for clarification were unsuccessful as his phone went unanswered. Similarly, calls to Secretary General Patricia Kaliati were unreturned.
The United Transformation Movement (UTM) is a political party in Malawi that has recently faced internal strife culminating from disputes within its leadership. This crisis has been exacerbated by allegations that the party’s publicity secretary, Felix Njawala, misrepresented critical resolutions regarding an upcoming convention. The dynamics within the party are fraught with tension regarding venue selection, candidate eligibility, and accusations of manipulation for personal gain, which could threaten the party’s unity and future.
The allegations against Njawala pose a serious threat to the United Transformation Movement at a critical juncture, raising significant concerns about governance and transparency within the party. His actions, as reported, might not only undermine party integrity but also lead to potential rifts that could have lasting effects on UTM’s political standing. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for party members to confront these challenges to safeguard their collective future.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
