Usi withdraws from Nov. 17 Convention: Amidst lawlessness in the party, will UTM transform without him?

Malawi’s State Vice President, Michael Usi, has dramatically distanced himself from his party’s upcoming elective convention, scheduled for November 17, 2024, in Mzuzu, citing serious constitutional violations within the United Transformation Movement (UTM).

Usi: I am gone

In a statement to Nation Online, Usi, who currently serves as the president of UTM, made it clear that he would not participate in the convention, not only because of his personal misgivings but because of his concern over the party’s internal processes which, he argues, have been handled in an unconstitutional manner.

Usi’s decision to withdraw has raised eyebrows, as it exposes deep divisions within the party and points to a growing rift between the State Vice President and the UTM leadership, particularly the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). While Usi has long been a key figure in UTM, his public disavowal of the convention signals a rupture that could have lasting consequences for the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2025 General Elections.

Unconstitutional Practices: Usi’s Charges Against UTM NEC

The Vice President has pointed to multiple violations of the UTM constitution as his reasons for withdrawing from the party’s elective process.

In his interview, Usi emphasized that he could not support a process that he believes undermines the party’s founding principles. Specifically, he cited several constitutional violations that the party’s NEC has allegedly made in preparation for the national conference:

  1. Constitutional Amendments Without Due Process: Usi expressed his dissatisfaction with the changes made to the party’s constitution without following the required procedures. The Vice President argues that these amendments lack proper consultation and ratification as stipulated in the party’s governing document, calling them an overreach by the NEC.
  2. Alteration of Delegate Composition: One of Usi’s most significant concerns is the alteration of how delegates to the national convention are selected. According to the UTM constitution, delegates should be chosen through a process at the regional and district levels, with due consideration for party members from all levels of the organization. Usi claims that the NEC has bypassed this process, altering the composition of delegates to serve its own interests.
  3. Failure to Hold Preliminary Elections: Another contentious issue for Usi is the party’s failure to hold constitutional, district, and regional elections before proceeding to the national conference. He maintains that according to the party constitution, these lower-level elections must take place before any national election can be held. Usi’s refusal to file nomination papers is seen as a direct challenge to the NEC’s decision to move forward with the convention without these necessary preliminary exercises.

In his own words, Usi pointed out that he could not “be complicit in the violation of a party constitution,” stressing that his role as State Vice President and his public oath to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi made it impossible for him to be associated with a process he believes is constitutionally flawed. “How can people trust that I will uphold the Constitution of the Republic if I cannot even ensure my own party’s constitution is respected?” Usi asked rhetorically.

A Rift in UTM’s Leadership

Usi’s decision to abstain from the convention has sent shockwaves through UTM, where he has been a prominent leader since the party’s formation. His position as both Vice President of Malawi and leader of UTM places him in a delicate balancing act, trying to maintain credibility in both his national and party leadership roles. However, his refusal to participate in the upcoming elective convention suggests he is unwilling to be associated with a process he believes is unconstitutional, even at the risk of alienating party members and leadership.

Sources within UTM have confirmed that Usi has long been at odds with certain factions within the party, especially regarding how the NEC has managed internal elections and party governance. His decision to go public with his grievances is seen as a bold move to distance himself from what he perceives as a growing trend of authoritarianism within the party. Usi’s reluctance to file nomination papers for the convention, despite his role as party president, may also signal his dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and its direction under the current NEC.

At the heart of the dispute seems to be a growing concern over the direction of UTM, with some party members accusing the NEC of consolidating too much power within the hands of a few individuals. Usi’s withdrawal may therefore be as much about principle as it is about his vision for the future of the party.

The Fallout: What Does This Mean for UTM’s Future?

Usi’s dramatic withdrawal from the elective convention raises questions about the future unity of UTM as it gears up for the 2025 General Elections. The upcoming convention was expected to solidify leadership within the party and set the tone for the election campaign. However, with Usi now absent from the process, there is uncertainty about who will lead UTM into the polls and whether the party will be able to rally behind a unified candidate.

Already, political analysts are speculating about the potential fallout from Usi’s decision. While some argue that UTM may face internal divisions and lose credibility with voters if the leadership crisis is not addressed quickly, others believe that Usi’s stand may galvanize reformers within the party who share his concerns about constitutional integrity and governance. For now, it remains unclear whether Usi’s withdrawal will spur a broader movement for reform within UTM or whether the NEC will consolidate its power and continue with plans for the convention as originally scheduled.

In the broader context of Malawian politics, Usi’s decision may also signal the beginning of a shift in allegiances and realignments. His departure from the UTM leadership could open the door for a new faction to emerge within the party, or potentially pave the way for Usi to forge a new political path outside of UTM, either by forming a new political platform or seeking alliances with other political parties ahead of the 2025 elections.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for UTM?

Michael Usi’s decision to refuse involvement in UTM’s elective convention on the grounds of unconstitutional practices marks a critical turning point for the party. While UTM’s future now seems uncertain, especially as it faces the challenges of a divided leadership, Usi’s move underscores the deepening internal conflicts within the party and his unwillingness to compromise on principles of constitutional integrity.

As the November 17 convention approaches, all eyes will be on UTM to see how the party navigates this crisis and whether Usi’s bold stand will lead to meaningful reform or further fragmentation. What is clear, however, is that UTM’s internal battle over its leadership and governance may have far-reaching consequences not only for the party but for the broader political landscape of Malawi as the 2025 General Elections draw nearer.

 

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Arafat
Arafat
3 months ago

Good riddance

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