UTM primaries polls kick off, puts on hold Salima polls
First and historic UTM Party primary elections kicked off on Thursday but the Salima polls have been put on hold whilst in Mzuzu, the elections started late.
UTM Salima district regional governor Langireni Mapulesi said the primaries in all the five constituencies in the district have been suspended because, among other issues, to give Salima north west aspiring candidate Jessie Kabwila avail herself to the district party officials.
Kabwila wants to contest on UTM ticket after she dumped the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) just a week ago.
“The constituents welcomed her but she needs to be introduced to the district committee of the party,” said Mapulesi.
In Mzuzu, the primary polls have been delayed by hours after the owner of the venue they had booked, Karonga central MP Frank Mwenifumbo, reportedly changed heart when the delegates had already arrived.
A female guard told the delegates to leave the premises and they were seen stranded at a place just five minutes away from the offices of the MCP.
The guard told the delegates that Mwenifumbo had instructed her not to allow in the UTM delegates.
Mwenifumbo could not be reached for comment.
However UTM officials, booked another place, Nyachenda Motel, where the primary elections are expected to take place.
Did Chilima stand in a primary anywhere for selection as the MP? I am seeing nothing on the internet which answers my question.
I hope that he has not been as foolish as Chihana was in 1994. He lost in the presidential election, but did not stand as an MP, and so could not lead his party in opposition in parliament.
Akamati Fair Play ndimene akuonetsa a UTM & democracy yokhwima ndithu bcoz Kabwila ndi big catch ndiye nkofunika anthu abwera nawo asamalidwe ngati aluze akhutire bwino bwino osati za ku MCP zija ai.
So UTM is going all the way just to accommodate Ms Kabwila-Kapasula! If she is well known, and respected as a politician as she claims, the votes should be there for her whether she’s standing for MCP or UTM – no difference. Where is democracy and fairness in UTM’s process here? EMBARRASSING!!!
Historically, Salima NW has voted for the Party rather than for the specific candidate. And so, UTM should know that Ms K-K is not a sure winner there.
Manganya and Ngumuya tiyankhuleni. Zavuta ku mpanda.
So Jessie was losing the elections today and bulldozed the UTM leaders to have the elections not just for her constituency but the entire salima postponed…Ameneyo nde Jese Kabwira Kapasula.She is not called KAPASULA for nothing
Deliberate sabotage occasioned by jealousy.
Desperate ones are following this way
zachibwana zokhakha
kkkkkkkkkkk Aford B President
Mwenifumbo is being used by DPP to frustrate UTM, but the fact that UTM is unstoppable because it always has plan B.