UDF – Face of Malawi

UDF Supports SONA

Edgar Naitha — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 13:13:28 +0000

The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) which partnered Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the June 23 Fresh Presidential Election says it supports State of the Nation Address (SONA) which was delivered last Friday by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera saying some of the key elements articulated in there need to be supported as they touch on national development.

Leader of UDF in Parliament Nedson Poya made the remarks when he was responding to the SONA.

Poya said political parties that are in opposition should not oppose by the virtue of being in opposition but should support all agendas that are for the good of the country. The UDF legislator said his party’s policies are in sync with Government’s plans to revamp the education, agriculture, Health and other key areas that will make a difference in the country.

“UDF believes in the rule of law. We will not be opposing just for the sake of opposing. What we are going to do is to see what people are looking for on the ground. If Government aligns its policies towards people’s needs for sure we will support that. On the other hand we would like to see key aspects such as cheap fertilizer for our farmers coming to fruition because our country’s economy is agro-based,” said Poya.

Also commenting on the SONA was DPP legislator for Chikwawa North, Owen Chomanika who hailed Dr Chakwera for highlighting projects that will boost the energy sector. However he said Government should throw its weight on managing the environment as it is key for thriving of most sectors in the country.

“You see it is in the Constitution of this country mainly Section 13, Subsection D, stipulates that we need to take into account issues of the environment seriously. Much as we support the SONA, Government didn’t come open on how it will manage issues concerning the environment. You might appreciate that even the energy sector is very much dependent on a sustainable environment, “said Chomanika.

Speaking earlier, Poya also hailed the President for his servant leadership style as he hinted that he will be coming to Parliament to take questions from legislators at scheduled times saying this will give confidence and clear mists surrounding issues of national importance.

BREAKING NEWS: UTM OFFICE TORCHED IN LL

Mc Noel Kasinja — Tue, 05 May 2020 04:52:10 +0000

BREAKING NEWS:
UTM OFFICE TORCHED IN LL
An opposition UTM PARTY branch office in Area 22 in Lilongwe has been torched around midnight by unknown assailants, with the guard and some of his children sustaining burns in the process.

A witness, knocking off from a night work shift from a company in the nearby Area 36 Township, said the fire may have been caused by a petrol bomb.

The UTM office guard and some of his four children are reported partly burnt and were rushed to the hospital by sympathisers.

Information was initially sketchy, particularly because police phone numbers went unanswered for over an hour. More details to follow.

UDF says Its Alliance with DPP has Set Aside Political Ambitions

Flora Mitumba — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:33:11 +0000

United Democratic Front (UDF) has trashed rumors that it’s possible alliance with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is dependent on the assurance that UDF leader will be offered a running mate position in the fresh elections.

This has been said by the party’s spokesperson Ken Ndanga who responded to rumors making round on social media that Muluzi has been offered a running mate position hence the possible alliance between the two parties.

Mutharika, Muluzi: Renewed their vows

In his response Ndanga said the two parties have set aside their political ambitions as the have a common goal to serve and work for the good of Malawians, hence going into an alliance.

The two parties renewed their marriage vows yesterday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe ahead of the Constitutional Court order for fresh elections following nullification of the May 21, 2019 presidential elections case.

May 19, 2020 has been set aside as the date for the fresh election following nullification of the May 21, 2019 presidential elections by the Constitutional Court on February 3, this year.

Supporters From DPP,UDF Have Defected To UTM

Mc Noel Kasinja — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 10:11:47 +0000

On 12th February 2020,the United Transformation Movement(UTM) had it’s “thank you rally” at Nkando in Mulanje District.

The auspicious occasion was graced by it’s vice president Dr Michael Usi,the Secretary General Hon Patricia Kaliati and many others.

Utm has been moving around countrywide,appreciating Malawians for their support and trust given to them during the election case and since their inception as a political party.

The ground was overwhelmingly parked with magnitudes of people wanting to hear the gospel of hope and a better tomorrow.

On behalf of Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima,the president of the party.Veep Usi thanked the people and told them to prepare and go to register to vote,as we are expected to vote again in 140 days time and he went further to ask any parliamentarian who want to join the party but fearing the parliament section 63 of crossing floor,he advised don’t be discouraged,nothing will affect and our doors are open.

The SG Kaliati gracefully welcomed 3,000 people from different political parties to UTM.She jubilantly said “This is your home,we believe in team spirit and we have no boundaries,Utm is for you and me,collectively we will develop Malawi”.

Most of the supporters were from constituencies of Mulanje Pasani,Mulanje South West,Mulanje West and others from independent candidates.

Opposition shuns President’s Prayer Breakfast

Face of Malawi — Thu, 09 May 2019 07:36:32 +0000

Presidents of the three main opposition parties namely UTM, MCP and UDF have skipped President’s Prayer Breakfast organised by several Christian churches at Kamuzu Palace today.

This comes after DPP’s President Peter Mutharika snubbed National Prayers and Peace Declaration organised by the Public Affairs Committee at BICC last week.

Atupele Claims He Won 2014 Elections

Flora Mitumba — Thu, 02 May 2019 14:10:17 +0000

United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi said he won 2014 elections saying the elections were rigged.

Muluzi made the remarks in the central region, Ntchisi district as he stormed the region campaigning ahead of May 21 polls.

“I won the 2014 elections. The elections were rigged. But I chose to let it go because I always preach peace and I wanted peace to prevail,” Muluzi said.

Muluzi further added that this year’s elections he will be declared winner and there is nothing to stop him.

“I know I am going to win. I will not allow anyone to tamper with the votes. Not this time,” Muluzi said confidently.

It is barely 19 days to go for Malawians to cast their votes and choose leaders of the choice. pageY��

Muluzi Promises to Increase Minimum Wage Once Voted into Power

Flora Mitumba — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 11:29:17 +0000

United Democratic Front (UDF) Presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi has promised to change living standard of age working group in the country.

Muluzi said the remarks during a campaign rally at Nyambadwe School ground in Blantyre.

In his remarks, Muluzi promised to raise minimum wage from K25, 000 to K70, 000, while the tax free band will move to K150, 000 once voted into power.

In order to gain votes from the age working group, most political parties are making promises to increase the minimum wage.

It is barely few weeks after Malawi Congress Party running mate Sidik Mia made a similar promise when he held a campaign political rally at Naotcha ground, in Chilobwe Township, Blantyre.

Muluzi had campaign whistle stop tour in Blantyre where he invaded Nkolokoti and Bangwe townships before hosting a rally at Nyambadwe school ground. m��!b��

UDF promises strong economic stability

Face of Malawi — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 08:03:12 +0000

United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Austin Muluzi, who is also the party’s torch bearer in the May 21 tripartite elections, has promised robust economic reforms meant to bring stability and grow Malawi’s economy when voted into power in the forthcoming elections.

Muluzi made the remarks on Sunday during when the UDF launched its manifesto and campaign at the Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

In his speech, the UDF president said his party will achieve a consistent development program growth rate of six percent and above in older to foster meaningful development and reduce poverty.

“We will prioritise prudent fiscal management by maintaining a balanced budget while allowing for small manageable fiscal deficits,” he said.

He added that his party will establish a cost savings and waste reduction committee, comprising public servants, labour unions and private sectors among others to reduce indirect costs to government with 20 percent.

He therefore, said his government will adopt new measures to improve the level of investment into social and infrastructure development and provide the means for reducing disproportionate debt stock accumulated by the outgoing regimes.

“We will pursue policies that will lead to a further reduction of interest rates to avoid crowing out the private sector while managing inflation,” said Muluzi.

He pointed out that UDF will broaden tax base by expanding catchment area and number of tax payers and ensuring that all individuals and businesses eligible to pay taxes become compliant and meet their tax obligations.

“We will increase the lowest tax threshold to K100,000 and raise the minimum wage to K2,000 per day,” he assured.

In her remarks, the Party’s Secretary General, Kandi Padambo concurred with Muluzi saying they will pursue deeper integration in SADC and COMESA Economic Unions and ensure more effective participation in international markets to seize on emerging trade and economic development opportunities.

“We will pursue smart partnership with other regional and global interest groups and investors,” Padambo added.

Source: Malawi News Agency

DPP, UDF manifestos launch clashes

Face of Malawi — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 08:57:47 +0000

LILONGWE – Launch of the 2019 election manifestos for the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) will take place on the Sunday in the Capital City.

While DPP will be holding its manifesto launch at Kamuzu Institute for Sports, UDF will be at Civo Stadium.

Analyst Mvula labels Running Mate Debates As Mixed Bag Of Successes And Failures

Face of Malawi — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 11:34:14 +0000

Political analyst Humphreys Mvula has labelled the just ended series of running mate debates as a mixed bag of successes and failures as the country awaits the presidential debates starting this weekend.

Mvula said that overall, the running mates mainly from Malawi Congress Party (MCP), UTM, and United Democratic Front (UDF) articulated issues but not in a dipper context as they spent time attacking each other’s manifestos.

Mvula however expressed concern with the absence of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) running mate Everton Chimulenji saying Malawians have been denied a chance to understand what he and his party will offer after being ushered into government.

MEC Approves 9 Presidential Candidates

Face of Malawi — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 11:40:44 +0000

Malawi Electoral Commission MEC has approved 9 out of 10 presidential candidates who submitted nomination papers.

They are Dr Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party, Professor John Chisi of Umodzi Party, Dr Joyce Banda of Peoples Party PP, Professor Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive Party DPP, Mr Peter Kuwani of Mbakuwaku Movement for Development MMD, Dr Cassim Chilumpha of Tikonze Peoples Movement TPM, Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front UDF, Dr Saulos Chilima of UTM and Mr Reverend Kaliya Independent.

According to chief elections officer of MEC Sam Alufandika the commission has disqualified Laudon Malingamoyo of National Salvation Front NASAF and his running mate Ethel Vivian Makoko.

Alufandika said Malingamoyo met the minimum requirement of 10 electors in one district only out of the required 28 and was requested to satisfy the requirement by 11th February but he did not.

He further said the commission planned to release names of parliamentary candidates after 14 days and local government before expiry of 21 from the last day of nomination.

Meanwhile, Malingamoyo says is shocked that Malawi Electoral Commission has disqualified his nomination.

Speaking to radio Islam, Malingamoyo said he is yet to receive official communication from MEC on the reasons behind his disqualification.

His remarks come a day after MEC released the list of presidential aspirants who have been approved to run during the May 21 tripartite elections.

He however said Nasaf will make its next steps known once MEC communicates officially, but he considers himself a presidential candidate.

Reacting to the development, Chancellor College based Political analyst Dr Mustafa Hussein said there is need to scrutinize candidates before MEC receives nomination papers.

UDF Dismisses alliance reports

Face of Malawi — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 07:47:36 +0000

United Democratic Front (UDF) publicist Ken Ndanga has dismissed reports that the party is holding electoral alliance discussions with other parties.

His reaction follows rumours that party leaders held closed door meetings with their UTM counterpart for a coalition.

He also clarified that their pact with ruling Democratic Progressive Party was not electoral.

The party’s torchbearer Atupele Muluzi is expected to present his presidential nomination papers to MEC on Thursday.

Source : Brief84

Mchacha rejects links to Kalindo beating

Face of Malawi — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 09:20:11 +0000

Governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional governor for South Charles Mchacha has rejected claims that he ordered the beating of UTM national director for youth Bon Kalindo.

The Mulanje West parliamentarian was on Wednesday beaten by alleged DPP cadets at the District Commissioners office.

He was rescued by police officers and was treated at Mulanje District Hospital from the injuries.

Source : Brief84

Six weeks to complete primaries – MEC

Face of Malawi — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 09:47:22 +0000

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has given political parties participating in the 2019 Tripartite Elections six weeks to complete primary elections of identifying their candidates.

After finishing voters registration exercise nationwide which identified 6.8 million eligible voters, the commission has began preparations for the elections.

Governing Democratic Progressive Party and Malawi Congress Party are the only stakeholders currently holding the primaries. Other parties including, Aford, UDF and UTM are yet to start.

Atupele To Hold Rallies In Eastern Region

Face of Malawi — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 07:41:49 +0000

United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi will this coming weekend hold rallies in the Eastern Region.

On Saturday, 24th November, the rally will be at Mbera Primary School ground in Balaka North Constituency. Its parliamentarian for the constituency Lucius Banda defected to UTM and has affected UDF’s hold.

The following day, Muluzi will address people in Balaka East Constituency at Makwera Primary School ground.

UDF is currently in a partnership with ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in which Muluzi is serving as a Cabinet Minister.

The party has been mum on its future relationship with DPP drawing speculation of a possible coalition for the 2019 Tripartite Elections.

However, the party’s grassroots are divided on the coalition issue.

70 join Peoples Party

Face of Malawi — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 08:57:53 +0000

Doing it silently and at easy but big things are happening, as Peoples Party goes to it’s convention, about 70 people from four political parties have joined PP at a rally conducted in area 23.

Peoples Party (PP) Vice President Rt Hon. Beatrice Mwale had a rally on August 26, 2018 in Lilongwe where 70 people from different parties joined Peoples Party.

The list is as follows.

31 from UDF
10 from DEPECO
23 from NASAF
6 from NASAF Executive

UDF denies reports of hunting UTM’s Supporter

Face of Malawi — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:17:35 +0000

One of the opposition parties in the country,United Democratic Party, UDF said it has no knowledge of hunting former Peoples Party, South Africa wing chairperson who is also a newly formed political grouping, United Movement UTM member Humphrey Limbikani Mhango for insulting on Dr. Bakili Muluzi.

It is reported that Mhango insulted former president of Malawi in his facebook post which have now been deleted.

UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga said UDF is not hunting the young politician based in South Africa.He then labeled the story appeared on Independent observer website as ‘fake news’.

Mhango also denied the report of insulting former state president. But was aware of the post on his facebook account.

“My account was hacked, I cant insult former president.I personally know Muluzi” Mhango sais.

Former President Muluzi Condemns Castigation in Malawi’s Politics

FACE OF MALAWI — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 08:58:50 +0000

Former President of Malawi Dr. Bakili Muluzi has called upon Malawians to respect leaders in the country and desist from castigating leaders.

Former President Muluzi

Muluzi was speaking at the opening of the United Democratic Front (UDF) convention at Comesa hall in Blantyre.

He asked Malawians to stop castigating leaders saying “it is not a Malawian culture”.

“U cannot refer the president as “mtchona”, that is not acceptable. Whether we agree with him or not but that is lack of respect for our leaders.

“Politics of castigation is not good. I call upon all political leaders to refrain from political castigating each other.” He said.

Some of the political leaders present from the ruling party, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were Secretary General, Grezerder Jeffery, Vice president for the South Kondwani Nankhumwa and the regional governor for the South Charles Mchacha among others.

At the convention, party’s President Atupele Muluzi went unopposed following the withdrawal of Lucius Banda’s candidature.