We are united front –UDF
Malawi’ former ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) says its rival factions have buried their hatches and decided to be a united front following mediation by facilitated by Father Michael Mtambo of the Anglican Upper Shire Diocese
The unity pact was signed on Friday and leaders of the two factions Friday Jumbe and George Nga Mtafu told a news conference in Blantyre that they are now united.
“We are members of the same family. We have resolved that reason prevail on us all,” said Jumbe, who was given the mantle to lead the party when former president Bakili Muluzi retired from active politics.
He said as part of the pact terms, the party’s national working committee will harmonise positions and work towards holding a national convention to elect leaders.
On his part, Mtafu, who declared himself leader of the party deposing Jumbe, said UDF is now “reborn.”
He said: “We are coming back as a force to reckon with to spearhead politics in Malawi.”
Already some members of the UDF are saying to be campaigning for deputy leader of the party in parliament, Atupele, who is son of former president Bakili Muluzi, to become its presidential candidate.
Former vice president Dr Cassim Chilumpha, lawyer Fahad Assani, former sports minister Moses Dossi, Mtafu and Jumbe are some of the presidential pretenders.
Jumbe said he hopes to see a “civilised campaign” and that “ democratic process” of selecting a leader.
