The United Democratic Front (UDF) has announced that it is not part of a joint press briefing organized and conducted today by some opposition political parties fronted by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), and a faction of the UTM led by the incumbent Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati, accompanied the DPP to a press briefing today in Lilongwe today.
This briefing was held amid ongoing discussions concerning the preparations for the upcoming 2025 general elections in Malawi.
In a press statement released earlier today (October 16, 2024), UDF’s National Publicity Secretary Dyson Jangia emphasized the party’s dedication to following established protocols when addressing electoral issues.
“UDF emphasizes that, as a responsible political organization, we are committed to following proper procedures in making decisions that reflect the interests of the Malawian people,” he stated.
While UDF acknowledges the concerns raised by the opposition regarding electoral integrity, the party clarified that its National Working Committee (NWC) has yet to convene and discuss these matters.
“After the NWC meets and thoroughly assesses the current electoral issues, the party will provide its official position and guidance on the way forward,” Jangia stated.
The UDF reiterated its commitment to ensuring that elections in Malawi are free, fair, and credible. Jangia highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability, stating, “As a party that believes in upholding democratic values, the UDF encourages transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness throughout the electoral process.”
The statement came across as direct punch in the face of DPP which is contesting application of the electoral law that was enacted when the DPP was in power.
Below is the full statement by UDF:
Press Release
For Immediate Release
16th October 2024
United Democratic Front (UDF) Statement on the 2025 General Elections
The United Democratic Front (UDF)reiterates its commitment to ensuring that Malawi conduct free, fair, and credible elections in 2025. As party that believes in upholding democratic values, the UDF encourages transparency, accountability and inclusiveness throughout the electoral process.
As part of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) board, the UDF acknowledges the concerns raised by opposition political parties over the current electoral process. We stand in solidarity with the opposition’s call for greater transparency and fairness the preparations for the upcoming general elections.
However, we wish to clarify that the UDF’s National Working Committee (NWC) has yet to convene and deliberate on the matters raised in today’s joint statement. Consequently, the party will not be participating in today’s press briefing.
The UDF emphasizes that as a responsible political organization, we are committed to following proper procedures in making decisions that reflect the interests of the Malawian people. After the NWC meets and thoroughly assesses the current electoral issues, the party will provide its official position and guidance on the way forward.
We urge all electoral stakeholders, including Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to take the concerns raised seriously and engage in constructive dialogue to restore public trust in the electoral processes.
The UDF remains committed to working with all stakeholders to safeguard Malawi’s democracy and ensure that the 2025 elections are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people.
Issued and signed
Dyson Jangia
(National Publicity Secretary)”.
