Chidanti Malunga downplays ambitions to vie for UTM vice presidency
Member of Parliament for Nsanje South West, Dr. Joseph Chidanti Malunga has denied reports that he is vying for the position of vice presidency for the United Transformation Movement (UTM) at its forthcoming elective convention slated for November 9, this year.
The legislator said in an interview on the sidelines of a political rally he addressed at Nsanje Boma whose aim was to mobilize people to register so that they have a chance to vote for leaders of their choice in the May 21, 2019 Tripartite Elections.
Malunga, who is also interim UTM publicity secretary, denied the claim, saying he has not thought of vying for that position and that it was the first time to hear about it.
“I don’t have any idea about this vice presidency issue. I am hearing this for the first time. In fact I am not vying for any position now because positions have not been yet released by the national secretariat,” he said.
However, Malunga expressed excitement with the response to his call, saying the situation was convincing since a lot of people turned up and that the outcome had proved wrong what other people were saying about UTM that it is a party for social media enthusiasts.
“From what I have seen today, the atmosphere was friendly and receptive. Everyone is looking forward to seeing the president of UTM, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and this proves contrary to what people were saying about the UTM that it is only for cities and on social media,” the legislator said.
Malunga said he believed that Malawians were ready for change and that they would like to have a new experience.
“Just like Europeans said back in the [19] 90s, that change is inevitable, people in Malawi want change and this situation reflects that of 1992 where Malawians wanted to change from one party system to multiparty system of government,” he claimed.
“Malawians want to experience some newness and I believe they will stop at nothing until they get what they want,” Malunga added.
Nsanje is among the districts that fall in the sixth phase of the voter registration for next year’s general elections. The exercise in this phase starts on September 19 and runs through to October 3, 2018.
Chidanti Malunga is more suitable to lead UTM than Chilima, Akweni and Masangwi and others.
A Chidanti nanunso what position are you going to take then? You have proved to us that your a a man full of courage but why are you shaning away from this position. and if I were you i could have even challenged Chilima Yes … think of it … infact it it were not you, Akweni and that Kanjedza guy Chilima could not have gone this far. Remember in the first days it’s you who ignited him to take your decision – look up to now he is playing double standards one leg he is in goverment and another… Read more »
Zayambikaa…..hokoyoooo
Ever since in the history of Malawi I have never seen or heard of any Nsena who did something tangible….Asena amatha kupeza opportunity koma sapanga zanzeru, olo atalemera amafa ali osauka…….Gwanda, Khembo, Dossi, Elwin Maluwa, Gerald Viola just to mention a few….
Dr Malunga just stand for VP. We youth we dont want politics of tribalism, regionalism, racism etc. Just stand we will support you as long as you exercise duties with professionalism. Those who think UTM is for socia media, they should wait on 20th May, 2019. They will prove to us whether it was conceptual or empirical evidence. the you check on MEC website how the youth are registering.
I really do not mind who the running mate to Chilima would be, except for Msowoya. He is a coward and causes trouble when cards r not in his favor.
He has all the qualities for the position
Chidanti is a man of integrity, hard working, well educated, not power hungry, honest, has no skeletons in his closet, humble and a key founder of UTM. I recommend him 100% to be the running mate and Malawi’s next vice President.