Chilima given ‘take it or leave it deal’: Chakwera presidential candidate in MCP-UTM alliance

March 9, 2020 Osman Faiti - Nyasa Times 86 Comments

UTM Party president Saulos Chilima  has been offered a “take it or leave it” deal by Malawi Congress Party (MCP)  in an attempt to form a an electoral alliance by the end of the week which MCP presidential hopeful Lazarus Chakwera will be the torchbearer as presidential candidate while Chilima  will get the running mate position.

Chakwera and Chilima: UTM-MCP alliance may make it if Chilima agrees to be a running mate for Chakwera

The UTM Party leader, who is the country’s vice-president, is expected to take a stand before sealing the deal.

Chilima and Chakwera—the duo that secured the landmark judgement by the five-judge panel of the High Court of Malawi sitting as the Constitutional Court that nullified the May 21 2019 presidential election on February 3 2020— have been having discussions on the alliance and are expected to meet again for dinner on Monday to finalise finer details.

Nyasa Times understands that the alliance deal also gives UTM to control 50 percent Cabinet and other public appointments.

As vice-president, Chilima will be tasked to run day-to-day government activities with more powers to be enshrined in the Constitution through an amendment than just being delegated.

The deal also says MCP will get 30 percent Cabinet positions and other coalition partners will get 20 percent.

In the run-up to the annulled presidential election, Chakwera partnered former president Joyce Banda and her People’s Party (PP) as well as the country’s former vice-president Khumbo Kachali and his Freedom Party. The partnership between MCP and the two is still intact.

MCP has said it will take the presidency because of   its numerical strength in Parliament (55 legislators against UTM’s measly four) to claim that it is bigger than UTM and a Head of State should not have a hang parliament.

Chilima is yet to confirm is he is to settle for number two in an MCP-UTM alliance as he  is already vice-president and has been one for five years—a position that comes with a life-long pension.

He is short of getting the most prized position of Presidency, which he has been making it openly.

Political analysts say from  the two previous results, the probability is that Chilima will most certainly still come third in the fresh elections should he go solo but can be  a highly prized and sought-after partner in the ensuing run-off if no candidate  reaches the 50%+1 threshold.

MCP Publicity Secretary, Maurice Munthali, told Times Radio that a news conference will be held to announce details of the alliance.

“MCP gave powers to the president who came up with a committee to discuss with UTM for a possible alliance. The two committees have been meeting and what we can tell Malawians is that let us pray for these talks and for our leaders so that something good can come out of these talks. At an appropriate time, Malawians will be told the outcome of the talks,” Munthali said.

UTM spokesman Joseph Chidanti Malunga said “information” will be released when they finish their talks.

Both MCP and UTM Party developed their manifestos which they touted as geared towards bailing Malawians out of abject poverty, drive away deep-rooted corruption and create job opportunities for the youths, among other issues.

The UTM manifesto clearly indicates how it will deal with corrupt leadership, saying that the party shall empower the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) in the enforcement of the Construction Industry Act and the code of ethics.

The manifesto further hints that the party supports civil society initiatives such as those under the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative (CoST) in working with State enforcement agencies such as the Anti–Corruption Bureau (ACB), the Auditor General and the Office of the Director of Public Procurement (ODPP) to ensure accountability and transparency in awarding contracts.

UTM also promises that the sitting president shall be stripped of immunity so that he or she should be prosecuted whenever found to be involved in corrupt practices while still serving as the State president.

On agriculture, UTM promises a universal fertiliser subsidy with a 50 kilogramme bag pegged at K4 500. The party also promises to introduce mega farms to ensure mass production of crops such as maize, cotton and rice as well as employment.

Further, Chilima passionately pledged to create one million jobs within the first 12 months in office.

In its manifesto which party officials described as a “diagnosis of the problems Malawians are facing and a prescription to the economic and human development ailments Malawians are going through”, MCP focuses on challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Specifically on agriculture, MCP promises farmers a universal subsidy programme which according to officials will see all Malawians regardless of their status having access to cheaper prices of farm inputs.

Both MCP and UTM, through their manifestos, fault the design and implementation of the targeted Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) which for the past 15 years has been providing subsidised inputs to ultra-poor Malawians.

The two parties speak a similar language, particularly on agriculture and anti-corruption fight drive.

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86 replies on “Chilima given ‘take it or leave it deal’: Chakwera presidential candidate in MCP-UTM alliance”

  1. I do not see any good future in UTM MCP government and its my prayer that this does not work out after the elections

  2. This was a knock out patch that needs to be taken seriously to correct the rotten economy from 19 May, 2020. Bravo UTM-MCP leaders. Be intact, fit, and vigilant to get there.

  3. We are anxiously waiting for a Joint Rally at Njamba in Blantyre where language spoken will be conciliatory and about a unified Malawi regardless of Region, Tribe; where National Resources, including tax, will be sacred and and used only for intended purposes; a rally where people will freely flock to without being ferried from distant places and paid K50-00 inducement.

  4. Che Wanimilioni, kodi ma vote mumalengeza ali pa 75% and ma figures ena kumaphatikiza after kulengeza ndiye muziti munthu anawina? Now most ofmyou talk about ambition ya Chilima did he tell you that he has that ambition? He said if it is for the sake of the betterment of Malawi and the people of malawi he will join the alliance.He doesnt want his personal ambition to rule him but what would rather bring peace and development in the country. Why are you worried with him kumanena kuti basi watha? Leave him let the alliance be. Nanga bwanji simukunena za atupele kuti basi watha coz if he will not be a presidential candidate in 2025 then UDF izathera pomwepo.Do you think UDF/DPP alliance is most suitable than any other? Each alliance has its own good and bad but what matters is how malawians look at it and in this case Malawians in large numbers want UTM/MCP alliance amene akuona kuti sioyabwino let them vote for the other alliance period

    1. Both SKC & Atupele can sink into political oblivion if they continue making inconsistent and patronage driven decisions. I have been a consistent advocate of Atupele joining DPP but he never listened and got his just punishment when his own constituency dumped him for DPP. But am happy he realised it before it was too late.
      Similarly I REPEAT: SKC’s political future is in DPP and not MCP. You may be asking why? To some of us due to the regional/tribal pattern of voting in this country we foresaw that Malawi would end up having two major political parties even without the 50+1 law. So Chilima being a Maseko Ngoni from Ntcheu and a lot other Maseko Ngoni TAs being found in Balaka, Mwanza, Neno and Thyolo he can be more warmly accepted in Southern region than in Chewa dominated central region.

  6. Masamu ake ali chonchi, Chakwera needs Saulos more to get into power, Saulos has already been in the vice president position hence his efforts to find his way up but cant afford it alone koma the team that he wants to partner with nacho chikufuna kulowa and stay mmboma..Chilima should the deal go ahead will be the main loser because MCP is bigger than UTM with its own base and wont allow any mistake to get out of power and they will afford to dump UTM and consolidate itself (should it be in power). Unless asainilane power sharing deal kuti what will happen next otherwise Saulos will be shocked..izi ndi ndale..he and his UTM must not just get into alliance to deal with DPP because it is just one off but look at the forthcoming political dynamics.

    1. Making an alliance with MCP is a grave mistake Chilima can make. His political future will be completely choked. Chilima is a prodigal son who was influenced by evil counsel. The only place where Chilimas political future is assured is in DPP. He just needs to humble himself. Otherwise the exreverend just wants to use him as a stepping stone into achieving his political ambitions.

      1. I dont understand the reasoning here because history will tell you that all these parties can be traced back to mcp. By the way even before Chilima expressed interest to run for presidency in dpp signs were showing that the dpp people no longer wanted Chilima in the party and would not have been running mate to mutharika during last years elections. The guy simply refused to be used and tramped but chose to stand on his feet and prove to dpp people that he is more than a doormat.

    1. If all we are hearing is true; then this alliance is fake. the percentages are not making sense. This “take it and leave it” was supposed to be given to Chakwera. He is not a leader by all standards; UMBONI- since he ascended to MCP leader; many people left or fired? Chakwera ndi “Nkholokolo” anthu amathawa mchipani. Sangawine masankho. I respect UTM leader because he has the required qualities of the leader for this poor country. UMBONI- To run a campaign within eight months and take third position despite his votes being stolen; “UMBONI” He is the only person in the whole county whose name was transfered without his knowledge. What else did they do which we will know later? For the good of this country; Chilima is a Leader nothing less.

  8. All of a Sudden Neba watosanduka supporter wa UTM ati Mgwirizano ayi….People have been praying for Justice chichitikireni Zisankho kukwera phiri Soche ,Bangwe ….mapemphero atoyankhidwa…Ndipo anthu Ena a Chikhulupiriro ngati mbeu ya Mpiru anapangisa kale ma t shirt a Mgwirizano….Nafe pa Njamba Sunday …..

  9. I am very excited to see that MCP and UTM have come together. This is the liberation that many meaningful Malawians have been looking for. We very tired with DPP which has caused misery to a lot of people because of its leadership style.
    Those who are talking bad of this alliance here are DPP cadets who know that their days in government are numbered. They will try to ridicule either Chilima or Chakwera but that will not work at all. We are more that ready to usher in new leadership in government.

  10. Please Chilima don’t accept this raw deal alliance with MCP whay you should know is that many Malawians want you to be the next president – take your stand and be courageous and out solo as UTM. You surely have huge support from the youth even those who are in MCP camp they have already indorsed you to be the torch bearer. As for me I wish you ALL the best but stop wishing ADAD a sooner death God can not bless you. You should start respecting the Elders as David did when he was with Saul in the Bible as he humbly waited for his time.

  11. Time has come for Chilima now to face the real World. This is no fuss! you are a dearest to MCP now because you have the votes which can bring you to number 3 and nothing else. Those votes may be useful to Chakwera if he has to ascend into the high office. However, once Chakwera meets his desire, you will be dumped to the fact that you will be no entity. You will come to agree with me whether in my presence or absence. MCP has its own people who are waiting for rewards for the hard work they have been doing in bringing their party to this level and if you cheat yourself that I will get 50% Ministerial seats, aaah!! mudya nazo manyi apapa. Iweyo wangokhala wa phuma. What you could do was just to go back to Peter, kneel down, tell him I am now repentant and i’m ready to work with you Bwana. Meantime, I don’t see any convincing person to take over from Peter in DPP and you could stand a better chance. Koma ndiwe nkhutukumve

    2. Bola akanati 40% each and they could have an upper hand for having a president. Otherwise, it will be difficult to control the cabinet

  14. kkkkkkkkkk ma newspaper aku Malawi bodza bwanji ?what kind of reporting that said “mcp utm seal deal “”which deal were the two newspapers referring to ?zamanyazi

  15. Ana makolo awo amwalira, mmalo mokambilana kuti school fees yawo ichoka kuti mwafatsa kukanganilana ma suit a malemu, mwayamba kugawana ndalama za penshoni, Ana Ali kakasi

  16. This is an indication of Arafat kuchakachika ngati makatani. I am enjoying this drama unfold. I bet their total votes will not be the sum of what each one for in the May 2019 elections……kkkkkkkkkk

  17. Arafat is now stealing the running mate position of his fellow mkaladi mphaka wa ku lower shire…..how does that feel? Ouch! Reduced from being a frontrunner to a second fiddle. And woipa watsikilako iwe be careful of Lezala using you as he often does with toilet tissues…kkkkkkkk

  19. Big up MCP/UTM alliance we’ve been expecting this for so long. Others commenting here are DPP/UDF supporters Whom there tummy are working hearing this MCP UTM alliance kokoliko kwacha viva Malawi musaope . If UDF DPP are enjoying the alliance why not UTM MCP? MCP will be MCP the same as UTM despite the fact that the two parties in alliance.

  20. Chilima is a political toddler and he still needs to learn politics and the VP position is deserving for a political apprentice like him..at least for now Gondwe has been vindicated that Chilima is a political toddler still on his mother’s lap. Matama onse atha muzikanyamula chikwama cha Chakwera

  21. What a useless title. So if the roles were reversed Chakwera would have been given a take it or leave it deal as well? What about Atupele or APM? Useless cadet.

  23. Chilima ali mmadzi. DPP can go without him and do well, so can MCP. He needs an alliance more than DPP or MCP do. This is what is called being irrelevant in politics and it is the beginning of the end.

  24. Honestly if alliance wins it means UTM will control The government.
    50% eish, I believe MCP they have realized that will without Arafat no win

    1. You will go to Malawi komanso ukati ife, you mean ndi ndani? Ndi akazi komanso ana ako? Why not saying ine, meaning iweyo wekha?

  28. Saulosi u can demand even 100% of the ministerial positions but ksnow that once Chakwera takes the mantle he can do what Bingu did soon after his election in 2004 by ditching UDF to form his own DPP. Chakwera and some MCP members can simply form another party and leave powerless as you are today.
    The best for you is to second somebody like Richard Msowoya as a running mate while you remain president of UTM. That will provide you with silent coalition exit clause to start hitting hard on MCP shortfalls and thereby enhence your chances of leading the UTM/DPP alliance in 2025.

    1. It doesn’t work like that bwanji umbuli. Once he is dashed out it means new elections will have to be sought… It’s Ana alliance inu Asena

    3. To hell with your UTM-DPP alliance. Who wants to go into alliance with a lhomwe enclave full of nepotism.

    4. Chilima has already have huge majority in the north than any other candidate including chakwera so proposing Msowoya to runningmate it shall not gain more extra votes which he has already on the ground so If it he wants to go solo I suggest to pick someone from centre or south that’s my opinion, overall the deal that mcp offered is extremely good for the sake of Malawian to get out DPP from the government

  29. This is total childshiness UTM and MCP why do you want continue raping our consitistution for your personal interests? You think malawians are fools who can be taken for granted? mwawonekera kuti ndinu anthu wosafuna to serve people but to satisfy your personal desires in leadership shame on you SKC and LC!!!

    1. Have you read the agreement. Why rush. Phuma akulu. Shame on you Chataika. You really are a fool

      1. It is you, Mwambo Folo, who is a fool. The article clearly says the Alliance will amend the construction to be in line with their agreement. If you don’t know to read, don’t blame those who know.

      2. Osavutika nawo awa ndi ganyu, agululunyinda, namampopa who act on baseless information ndiye Chataikayo.

    4. Excellent Chaika does not know what the alliance of MCP/UTM means.Tell Chaika please to vote for Jane, Atupele and Arthur and we are not worried with like Chataika.

  30. These people are very power hungry to the extent of wanting to CHANGE the CONSTITUTION to suit their egos.

    1. Ali power hungry ndiamene akulamula five year constitutional mandate take itatha 2014 to 2019.Inotu ndi 2020.Muconstitution mulibenso reverting back for what kapena term ya 150.Tiyeni tiyambe page 1 mpaka yomaliza kulibe.

    2. Changing the constitution so that a VP has duties to perform and not to remain a delegated position. Are you sure the whole president should just be delegating the VP if he doesn`t the VP should just sit phwii. Do you think the framers of the constitution wanted it that way? And this is why SKC is just receiving salary without working, should a country work on this type of ego?

    3. Akulu kodi nduna zomakhala ma mp okhaokha? Koma inu ndi wozindikira inu koma sukulu ndiyofunikiradi bwanji

  32. History will repeat itself, two power hungry people can not work together. These promised are just dreams. Kusintha malamula to suit Chilima, utsilu umene timakana umeneu. Changing laws to suit an individual. Remember Justin Malewezi vs Bakili, Kasimu Chilumpha vs Bingu, Joyce Banda vs Bingu, Khumbo Kachali vs Joyce Banda and Saulos Chilima vs Peter. It is a well known fact what may follow between Saulos Chilima vs Chakwela. Once Chakwela becomes a state president, he will govern this nation by his own style not what the alliance has agreed. Let us wait and see the TRUTH, I rest my case.

    1. You are absolutely correct. After ascending to the presidency what stops Chakwera from telling his Mps not to change the constitution?. What stops Chakwera from a cabinet reshuffle to put his own.

  35. if he accepts then his ambition to be head of state is over assuming they amass 50+1 votes. Constitutionally, he will be barred having served two consecutive terms. I think, he will reject the offer.

    1. UKUNAMA, HE CAN STILL STAND FOR PRESIDENCY AFTER TWO CENSECUTIVE TENURE AS VICE PRESENDENT-MBULI ZA DPP INU!!

    2. For your own information IWEYO, the two consecutive terms law does not apply to the Vice President. Justine Malewezi was a presidential candidate in 2004 after serving two consecutive terms as the VP to Bakili Muluzi. Serving as a Vice President to two presidents will just add value to Chilima’s bid for the presidency in the next general election. He will have more than enough experience and his contenders will have to be very good to beat him. We do not know, however, what will happen towards the end of Chakwera’s tenure should the MCP-UTM alliance win the fresh elections this time around. So perhaps it’s better to wait and see, of course after voting for the pair!

      1. Ku Malawi kulibe zimenezo ngakhale Bakha atha kukhala pulezident bola wa similar chipani chotchuka.Mchifukwa timakhala ndi anthu osayenera pa maudindo.

      2. I still feel chilimas ambitions of becoming president are finished indeed.
        By the way,is the alliance just for these fresh elections or mpaka kale kale.and mtsogolo muno when chilima wants to stand as president,will he do so on whose ticket,MCP or UTM?
        As they are entering in this alliance ,have both parties amended their party constitution s to suit both parties?
        Atambala awiri salilira khola limodzi amwene.
        Band iyi aliyense agwira chida chake posakhalitsapa.

    3. Which two consecutive are you talking about? If anything is to go by this will be his second term as a vp and not a president, read the constitution

    2. That’s normal in an alliance. There have to be terms and conditions. Even UDF and DPP have entered an alliance with terms and conditions

  37. So at the moment the aim is just to dislodge DPP. Then what will happen next? Are your manifestos talking the same language? UTM!, UTM!, UTM! Please don’t escort the chief to the drinking spree.

  39. beginning to smell adad victory……if the choice narrows to dpp vs mcp very easy to vote. mcp as usual will do well in the centre where as the north will divide itself leaving dpp with narrow win. mcp as a party has very dark history of which no leadership combo can erase. this will not even go to run-off.

    1. @ father of nation, you can easily lie through your heart not through you teeth as everyone can see, mcp had a dark past but dpp has a very dark present and people knows that. If we can be honest with ourselves, mcp won last year’s election if it was not for your adad and company cooked up the figures, even though the cooked up figures could not make one to be a proud president if adad had brains in his head. Clearly the majority of malawians don’t like him and you can’t force people to be their leader rather you need to be chosen, don’t forget, the north was supporting mcp until utm came 9 months before elections.

      1. Kkkkkkkk how ignorant you are. Check the ruling if you will find anything mentioned by the court that DPP rigged? Muvutika ndi mtima wawa dpp is taking over the mantle. Mind you if chilima sign the deal then expect more defections from his party back to dpp trust me!!

        1. @ Chataika, you say ddp taking over the mantle…from where mbuzi iwe. MCP will take over the mantle from the prince of thieves. Munya muona mbava zotha ntchito ngati inu. You cant even be ashamed of yourselves being thieves. Gulu lochititsa manyasi athakati

          2. Mphwanga you dont know mmene ma blues amasewelera bola. The whole Southern and Eastern reion have been sealed/blocked from invasion by nyau

      2. @Martin ndinu abodza. Chakwela did not win the annulled elections. If you were following the case very well among the demands MCP lawyers requested the court was for it to declare Chakwela an outright winner. Why did the visibly pro-pertitioners concourt judges fail to do so? It means they found no evidence whatsoever that Chakwela came any where closer to victory even if the gloss irregularities were to be factored in.
        I can tell you here DPP won and it will win again. Southerners make up more than 50+1 of country’s population only that quite a lot have resettled in other regions but they still vote as southerners. If in doubt check the 1960s censuses.

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