UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati over the weekend demeaned President Lazarus Chakwera for declaring his intention to run as a Presidential candidate in 2025.
“Kaliati must be restrained, or else her words will be seen as endorsed by Vice President Saulos Chilima, which could lead to an explosive situation,” said John Masina, senior political analyst for the Shire Times.
Over the weekend, Kaliati spoke at a sparsely attended rally, using the platform to criticize President Lazarus Chakwera, claiming that UTM believes Vice President Saulos Chilima will be the Malawi President in 2025 under the Tonse Alliance.
“Kaliati must understand that there is no such agreement for Chilima to be the presidential candidate under the Tonse Alliance. The document specifies ‘subject to’ the decision of the National Governing Councils of the respective parties. MCP has shown no interest. They intend to field their own candidate, Chakwera. Why does UTM want to compel MCP to do something they are not willing to do?” said Masina.
“Furthermore, it’s absurd that a party with five MPs would seek to dictate the affairs of a party with over 70 MPs. It’s unthinkable and impractical,” Masina added.
Ironically, there appear to be good bromance between the President and his vice as the President has delegated him to South Korea to represent Malawi at the Korea-Africa summit.
“This evening we joined Heads of State and Leaders of Delegations from across Africa for a welcome dinner hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea and First Lady Kim Keon Hee. We are here for the Korea – Africa summit which starts tomorrow, Tuesday. We look forward to forging strategic partnerships and presenting a compelling case to benefit from financial deals on offer at the summit,” wrote Chilima.
