‘UDF downfall is a concern’

In this interview with our Staff Reporter ALLAN CHIRWA, United Democratic Front (UDF) Central Region vice-president Michael Antoine talks about the party’s political status as he seeks re-election for his position at the upcoming convention. Excerpts:

 Q: Why are you seeking re-election as UDF regional vice-president? What have you done to warrant re-election?

A: My decision to seek re-election stems from a commitment to continuity and progress. I have been at the epicentre of several pivotal policy changes within the party and I am eager to witness their implementation. However, let us not be complacent. Every politician must strive relentlessly to propel his or her party into government. I seek this opportunity to contribute further and be a part of the leadership that leads the UDF toward its rightful place.

Q: The UDF seems to have lost the glory and popularity it used to enjoy when former State president Bakili Muluzi was at the helm. For instance, it now has 11 members of Parliament (MPs), down from over 80 in its heyday. Where did you get it wrong?

A: The UDF’s current state, compared to its illustrious formative years, is a matter of concern. We now count a mere 11 MPs, a contrast to the 80-plus we once commanded during [during former president Bakili] Muluzi’s reign. The genesis of our decline lies partly in the formation of the Democratic Progressive Party [DPP] by Bingu wa Mutharika while still under the UDF banner. This internal schism threw our party into disarray, necessitating a prolonged period of refocusing and strategic recalibration. Additionally, the absence of parliamentary funding has significantly impacted our financial stability, hindering our ability to operate

 Q: There is a perception that the Muluzis have reduced the UDF to a family party and this has weakened the party. As the vice-president of the party, are your opinions regarding policy direction of the party taken on board?

A: The perception that the Muluzis have transformed the UDF into a family-centred party warrants examination. Let us dissect this notion. The UDF’s inception was not solely a Muluzi affair. It emerged from a group of like-minded Malawians who aspired to effect change. Bakili Muluzi’s election as the inaugural presidential candidate was a historical coincidence. Consider other global examples—the Bush family in America, the Gandhi family in India, and the Kenyatta family in Kenya. Do these ties automatically label their respective parties as family parties?

Our context deserves a broader lens.

As the current vice-president, I assure you that my opinions, alongside those of the UDF National Executive Committee [NEC], significantly shape our party’s policy direction. Our recently completed strategic plan underwent extensive consultation across all party structures, guided by the Democracy Works Foundation.

Q: Do you see UDF reclaiming its lost glory and what will it take to do that?

A: Optimism fuels my pursuit of re-election. The UDF remains pivotal in shaping Malawi’s future. To reclaim our lost glory, we must revisit our roots. We need a listening party attuned to the desires and needs of our people. Engaging with citizens, understanding their concerns, and translating them into actionable policies will be our guiding compass.

Q:UDF partnered with the DPP in the last presidential election. Considering the requirement for the president to win at least 50 percent of the votes, what’s the party’s strategy in the upcoming general elections? Will the party go solo or enter into another alliance?

A: As we gear up for the 2025 General Elections, our focus remains unwavering. The pivotal national elective conference scheduled for August holds paramount importance. During this gathering, we shall elect a leadership that embodies credibility and instils confidence in our governance capabilities as a party. Now, regarding alliances, a topic that is akin to a horse race without a rider. At this juncture, UDF is preparing in earnest for the 2025 elections. Rest assured that we continue to engage in earnest conversations with fellow Malawians. Our commitment lies in fulfilling the aspirations and needs of a better Malawi for all citizens.

Q: What do you make of the concerns that some eligible voters may not participate in the 2025 elections if the national registration process is not well-executed?

A: The outcry surrounding the national identification registration process warrants urgent attention. The right to vote, as enshrined in our Constitution, stands as a fundamental pillar of democracy. Alarming reports from the field indicate organisational deficiencies in the registration process. If left unaddressed, this could disenfranchise a significant number of citizens during next year’s general elections. We implore the Malawi Electoral Commission and the National Registration Bureau to heed these concerns diligently. Safeguarding every Malawian’s right to vote is not merely a duty. It is the bedrock of our democratic fabric.