Battle for Malawi’s future takes center stage at UTM convention

Thousands of delegates have descended on Bingu International Conference Centre of Lilongwe this Monday, facing a crucial decision on what direction Malawi will take after May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections with  Vice President Saulos Chilima and his UTM party set to unpack their vision for Malawi.

The delegates will vote on the top leadership of UTM and Chilima has expressed confidence that the vote should effectively determine who the country’s next leader will be.

Chilima has been holding rallies in the central region districts of Ntchisi and Dowa over the weekend ahead of the convention and reiterated his stance against corruption saying he will not shield anyone when UTM takes over government next year.

The second citizen said UTM is serious and will field candidates in all positions including ward councilors and members of Parliamentin 2019 tripartite elections.

“We are the winning team and don’t waste your vote toothers, believe it. Pa chichewa pali mwambi; amene wawona chiphyera pasana panzache ndiamene umasambanaye limodzi kumtsinje. I know DPP more than anyone especially because I was its member. Therefore when I say we are the winning team don’t doubt,” said Chilima.

Adding: “We shall announce issues of transport in January next year before elections. I don’t want any delays. We shall book the buses in advance so that people who want to attend should be aware of. On 23 May, 2019 is where the sworn in ceremony will be held and soon after we shall start work, no more delays.”

On UTM plans for the country, he reiterated that it will create 1 million jobs within a year as well as improve the nation’s education and health systems.

Speaking earlier during the rally UTM secretary general Patricia Kaliati said she was delighted with the high turnout saying it shows people’s trust for Chilima.

Chilima initially launched UTM at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe last week on Saturday following a sour relationship with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which forced him to resign from the party.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :