Umodzi Party convention slated for December
The newly-formed opposition Umodzi Party (UP) has disclosed that it will hold its first national convention in December to elect office bearers.
This was said by UP’s interim president Professor John Chisi at the party’s office in Limbe on Sunday.
He was speaking in an interview with Nyasa Times on the sidelines of a meeting where the party welcomed new members claiming to have defected from other political parties.
Chisi said the overwhelming support UP is garnering each day has prompted the party to hold the convention before the year ends, as Malawi prepares for the May 2014 tripartite elections.
“We still have rallies to hold in the Eastern, Central and Northern regions ahead of the polls. Once we have consolidated our meetings then we will have our convention,” said Chisi. “We’re thinking of either mid or end December.”
Welcoming the new members, Chisi said he was encouraged with the massive defection of other party followers joining UP.
“This shows the trust the people have in this party. People have agreed that as a nation need something different and it is Umodzi Party which can bring that difference in terms of how we need to manage this country.
“Malawi needs us as a people to work together as a team. It’s only in unity which is “umodzi” in Chichewa, which is the only way we can move forward, with a common vision and understanding,” said the UP leader.
Among the high profile members that have joined UP are Joseph Savala, who was advisor to UDF’s president Atupele Muluzi, DPP’s shadow MP for Mulanje Central, Stanley Mthumbu, and parliamentary aspirant for Neno West Masauko Mpungula.
Mthumbu said the UP manifesto shows that its leadership has a vision to develop Malawi and has the welfare of the people of Malawi at heart.
“I’ve made a thorough research and Umodzi Party’s manifesto benefits the people of Malawi,” he said.
The defections come barely a week after the UP welcomed over 200 members said to have left UDF, DPP and President Joyce Banda’s PP.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
