Top Officials of the Tonse Alliance partner UTM are reportedly unhappy about the apparent unity between Vice President Saulos Chilima and President Lazarus Chakwera, highlighted by Chilima’s recent assignment to represent Malawi in Seoul, South Korea. Instead of celebrating this solidarity, UTM officials have allegedly been fueling media sensationalism, exemplified by a Nation newspaper headline, “What will unmute SKC?”
Recently, reports emerged suggesting an alleged emergency UTM meeting which was called to address President Chakwera’s announcement of his intention to run for re-election in 2025 as the MCP presidential candidate. When asked about Chakwera’s declaration, Chilima simply responded, “I have no comment to make.”
Shire Times Senior Political Analyst remarked that nothing, not even the Constitution or the 2020 Tonse Alliance Agreement, prevents Chakwera from running for president next year. He pointed out that the leaked agreement mentioned that the vice-presidential candidate’s leadership in 2025 was “subject to” confirmation by the National Governing Council of both MCP and UTM.
“Clearly, MCP has endorsed Chakwera, pending formal ratification at the MCP Convention in August. Why do UTM officials feel betrayed? Do they not understand the phrase ‘subject to’? Come on!” said Masina.
An expert in electoral polítics Ernest Thindwa noted that it was wishful thinking for UTM to think that MCP would not field a candidate in the 2025 polls.
He said MCP was using its numerical strength to stamp authority over others, urging Chilima to concentrate on growing his party.
He said: “Irrespective of the agreement, which is also not legally binding, the fact is that MCP was always going to field their candidate. This should have been clear to UTM because with MCP’s numèrical strength in Parliament and on the ground, it doesn’t make political sense to give way to Chilima.
“So, let UTM define its polítical future. Let it develop its support base, otherwise, depending on being given the presidency by MCP is wishful thinking. “
Recently, MCP said the electoral partnership that triumphed in the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election expires in 2025.
MCP spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma said the party’s national executive committee (NEC), which has endorsed Chakwera as presidential candidate, would meet to review and make fresh arrangements, come 2025.
He said: “It should be emphasised that this agreement does not extend beyond that specified period. Consequently, the NEC will convene again to discuss and plan for the future.
“It is essential to reconvene and engage in constructive discussions to formulate a fresh agreement that encompasses all the parties we intend to collaborate with. This will allow us to establish a renewed and comprehensive alliance, ensuring a strong and unified front for the years to come.”
