JB breaks silence on collapsed PP-UTM alliance

Former President Dr. Joyce Banda has come out of the cocoon to comment on the failed alliance between People’s Party (PP) and United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party of Dr. Saulos Chilima, saying the discussion started in September last year.

Banda disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday posted on her official facebook page seen by faceofmalawi reporter.

According to Banda, Chilima approached her with a promise that the two Parties will have equal representation from the Presidency all the way down.

“I spent months in negotiations with UTM to form a coalition which would allow me to step aside as Presidential Candidate while reinforcing my party to serve my constituents. When UTM leadership approached me back in September, the offer was a 50/50 structure from the Presidency all the way down.

“When it became obvious that this part of the deal could not be respected, PP members felt it would be dangerous to enter a working relationship not based on mutual respect and keeping promises. Refusal to have my party represented in the Presidency has been viewed by my members as unjust, and a violation of the initial pledge,” wrote Banda.

She added: “My people have called upon me to continue fighting for them, and as such, I am proud to have presented my nomination papers to contest in the May 2019 Presidential elections, alongside my running mate Dr Jerry Jana. It is my calling to serve my country and vow to fight for the rights and prosperity of all Malawians.”

Rumours have it that Banda wanted her son Roy Kachali to be Chilima’s runningmate the offer which was rejected by UTM’s camp.