In what is shaping up to be one of the most curious political spectacles ahead of Malawi’s highly anticipated elections, the United Transformation Movement (UTM) finds itself tangled in a web of embarrassment, empty promises, and glaring structural deficiencies. With time ticking and campaign season heating up, UTM is yet to field a full slate of candidates for local and parliamentary positions—raising serious doubts about its bold claim of forming the next government.
According to its spokesperson, Felix Njawala, the party has resorted to endorsing lone candidates in various constituencies and wards—an admission that in many areas, no one is even willing to stand on a UTM ticket. Primary elections, we’re told, will be announced “by the end of the week” in places where more than one candidate exists. But social media, the court of public opinion in today’s Malawi, has already delivered its verdict. “Zero structures on the ground!! Very tough indeed!” wrote one user, while another scoffed, “Best social media party of the year—basi, zathapo apa.”
It’s not just shade being thrown—it’s concern wrapped in sarcasm. Observers say UTM, once seen as a rising force, is now looking more like a digital mirage—buzzing online, but barely visible on the ground. “Conduct your primaries on Facebook,” one commenter joked. Another, more bluntly, said, “People aren’t even interested to contest under your party. It’s embarrassing.”
Even more troubling is the fact that UTM’s presidential candidate, economist-turned-politician Dalitso Kabambe, is currently battling criminal charges. Political analysts warn that if his legal troubles accelerate, the party’s campaign could unravel faster than it began. In a race where structure, preparation, and trust matter, UTM is offering memes where it should offer manifestos, and digital cheerleaders where it should have boots on the ground.
Yet, despite all signs pointing south, the party insists it is on the path to victory. The question haunting many Malawians is: how can a party with no councillors, no MPs, and no presence in many communities seriously expect to govern a nation of 20 million people?
The road to the State House is long, paved with candidates, grassroots energy, and unshakable credibility. Right now, UTM seems to be riding a bicycle with no wheels, hoping to win a Formula 1 race. And if the party doesn’t change gears fast, it may soon find itself not just off the track—but out of the race altogether.
