UDF to spend K35 million on October 31 convention

Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) says it will spend over K35 million on its planned convention on October 31 this year.

Convention chairperson Lilian Patel told Joy Radio on Saturday the figure is likely to go up following the Friday’s fuel price hike.

Patel said all positions including that of national chairman will be up for grabs.

“All those interested to contest should declare their interest to the National Executive Committee. We are promoting democracy,” she said.

People’s Party held its convention President Joyce Banda and her vice Khumbo Kachali were not challenged.

The convention also comes at a time when the two warring camps in the party are trying to resolve their differences. One camp is led by Friday Jumbe, the party’s president and the other, Kennedy Makwangwala, the party’s secretary general.

UDF has two MPs serving in the cabinet of President Joyce Banda. The marriage of the party and the government is only applicable to parliament business.