UTM president and Vice President of the country, Michael Usi yesterday announced his candidacy for the party’s presidency at the upcoming convention in Mzuzu next month but stressed that the indaba will only proceed if it aligns with the party’s Constitution.
The Veep expressed his surprise at a recent party statement announcing the indaba, saying that it lacked the necessary endorsement from the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Addressing hundreds of UTM women supporters at the government official residence in Area 12, Lilongwe, Usi among others pointed out concerns over exorbitant candidate fees, with amounts as high as K20 million to contest for the presidency.
He said: “I am going to contest for the position of president of the party, and whatever results come from there, I will respect them because that’s constitutional. I encourage you women to escort me to Mzuzu because I am going to be victorious.”
He assured supporters that the party’s Constitution clearly outlined the necessary procedures and promised to intervene to ensure order and adherence to the party’s principles.
In an interview on Sunday afternoon, UTM publicity secretary Felix Njawala declined to comment on Usi’s statements.
Usi also addressed his detractors, affirming his status as a bona fide member of UTM and referencing the party’s manifesto booklet, which features both his and the late party president Saulos Chilima’s faces.
The vice president also condemned the actions of some UTM officials who have been preventing party supporters from attending his meetings, labelling such behaviour as undemocratic and unconstitutional.
“People should be free to attend meetings without intimidation,” said Usi.
He also preached unity and love among party followers to ensure the party remains strong and relevant.
Addressing calls for a commission of inquiry into the death of former Vice President Saulos Chilima, Usi assured that an inquiry will be conducted. He stressed that this decision is driven by necessity, not external pressure.
Chilima, along with eight others, tragically died in a plane crash in June this year. The incident has led to numerous stakeholders and individuals calling for an inquiry.
The majority of the women granted an audience with the VP are not delegates, and according to a representative of the group, Emily India, the party should recognise both delegates and ordinary members.
