UDF elects Atupele Muluzi for presidential run in Malawi 2014 polls: Kandi is SG

Atupele Muluzi, the son of Malawi’s former President Bakili Muluzi, was elected  to to lead the United Democratic Front (UDF) founded by his father in elections due in 2014.

The younger Muluzi, 34, was elected National Chairman of UDF at its national convention Tuesday in Blantyre.

Atupele, a British trained solicitor, defeated former sports minister Moses Dossi and former ESCOM human resources manager Ruth Takumana.

He was elected UDF National Chairman and also as party’s torch bearers in 2014 polls.

Austin Atupele Muluzi: UDF National Chairman and presidential candidate 2014

The Machinga North Eats lawmaker secured  2308 votes followed by Dossi 23 votes and Ms Takomana 3 votes of the delegates at the leadership conference to claim victory.

Other positions

Lilongwe based businessman and former minister Iqbar Omar was first national chairman after defeating former Tobacco Control Commission boss Dr Godfrey Chapola and Moses Kachele. Omar poled 1803 votes.

Second deputy chairperson went to Victoria Mponela and third deputy chairperson is Charles Chikuwo.

Kennedy Makwangwala who was secretary-general fell to former Escom CEO Kandi Padambo.  Padambo bagged 1479 votes against Makwangwala’s 690 votes and Austin Kalimanjira who amassed 139 votes.

Deputy Secretary General is former lawmaker Gerald Mponda who defeated the party’s Chief Whip in parliament Clement Chiwaya and former minister Leonard Mangulama.

Ken Ndanga was elected national publicity secretary defeating Robert Jameison.

Lilian Patel was elected national organising secretary; her deputy will be Howard Kananji.

The position of treasurer general went to Austin Kajiso Gondwe who went unopposed after George Nga Mtafu withdrew. His deputy is Foster Ntandama who went unopposed

The position of the director of Disability went unopposed to Moffat Yakiti. Others who went unopposed include Director of Protocol Ibrahim Jamah, Director of Agriculture Joyce Chendausiku Ng’oma, Director of Internal Security Mathews Masoapyola, Director of Economic Affairs Victor Mbewe and Director of Transport and Logistics Sameer Sulemani.

 Road to 2014

Muluzi, who is Economic Planning Minister, will face President Joyce Banda of the governing People’s Party.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) selected Peter Mutharika, brother of the  late president Bingu wa Mutharika, as its candidate for the election.

He is yet to get formal convention endorsement.

Muluzi was one of the early frontrunners for the 2014 presidential race, who announced his ambition and started campaigning in the name of selling the political concept of ‘Agenda for Change.’

Veteran politicians Gwanda Chakuamba (in greed tie) and Kamlepo Kalua seen at the convention as guests
Atupele Muluzi inside the convention hall
Delegates at the UDF convention
A UDF supporter Marble Banda posses for Nyasa Times

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