Malawi’s opposition UDF convention: Chapola, Padambo join Atupele in leadership race
Former General Manager of the statutory Tobacco Control Commission’s (TCC) Dr Godfrey Chapola and former head of the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi, Kandi Padambo have joined the leadership race for Malawi opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) at the forthcoming convention, Nyasa Times understands.
UDF secretary general Kennedy Makwangwala said the party has opened its nomination process for all positions for its much touted national convention on October 30 at Comesa Hall in the commercial city of Blantyre and that there will be open leadership contest.
Nyasa Timesunderstands that among other people who have collected nomination forms for leadership include Chapola and Padambo- making their entry into frontline politics.
Top favourite to win the National Chairman post, Atupele Muluzi, son of former president and current Minister of Economic Planning and Development, has also reportedly picked his nomination forms through his supporters.
Also contesting for the leadership is former sports minister Mosses Dossi.
UDF ruled Malawi from 1994 to 2004 under Muluzi and from 2004 to early 2005 with Bingu wa Mutharika, who was handpicked by Muluzi and ditched the party to form the DPP
Convention chairperson, former foreign affairs minister Lillian Patel, has assured those seeking to vie for various posts of credible nominations.
This, according to Patel, would ensure that UDF form a formidable team to enable the party win 2014 elections.
She said there were many other “new faces and new talents” seeking nomination for the party positions including women and the youth.
Patel said UDF needed to have leaders who would be able to revitalise the party and remain competitive.
She described the convention as an important gathering that is meant “to crystallise our vision for the future.”
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