Malawi’s opposition UDF NEC meets for direction

Newly-elected national executive council (NEC) for the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) is scheduled to meet this Saturday in Blantyre to take oath of secrecy and appoint new ordinary members of the committee.

UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga disclosed in an interview on Thursday that it will be the first time the new NEC will be meeting since the convention last month.

“All elected members at the recent national conference will come and take a vow of secrecy. We shall also appoint 16 ordinary members into the NEC. Our Constitution allows us to appoint ordinary members into NEC,” said Ndanga.

He said the appointment of the members will be based on factors which include gender and regional balance.

Ndanga said the NEC will also be preparing a mass rally scheduled for Sunday at Njamba in Blantyre which will be addressed by newly-elected national chairperson and presidential candidate for the 2014 elections, Atupele Muluzi.

“At the Sunday mass rally, we shall be introducing new leadership of the party to our supporters and members. The leadership will also give direction of the party,” Ndanga said.

The party held a convention in Blantyre on October 30 2012 where most positions were taken by new comers. Long time secretary general Kennedy Makwangwala was replaced by former Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (Escom) chief executive officer Kandi Padambo.