UTM Party national executive committee (NEC) says it has resolved disagreements surrounding the forthcoming national elective conference, particularly on nomination fees and other arrangements.
Some members, including UTM Party president Michael Usi had expressed concerns over the exorbitant nomination fees, the convention committee and deadlines for submissions.
But Usi, who is also the country’s Vice-President, called for a NEC meeting at the party headquarters in Lilongwe yesterday, where issues that might affect the convention were addressed.
After the closed-door meeting, secretary general Patricia Kaliati and publicity secretary Felix Njawala addressed the press.
In his brief, Njawala said the NEC, under Usi’s guidance, has maintained the nomination fees and set November 11 as the deadline for submission of nomination papers.
He said Usi also guided on how best the convention should be managed and the committee has looked into the issues.
Said Njawala: “Today’s NEC meeting has been one of the most fruitful meetings and has shown how united the UTM Party is.”
Taking her turn, Patricia Kaliati said the meeting ironed out issues and further approved the convention committee that was put in place, adding it will also consider adding more members.
She commended Usi for providing guidance, saying the
party will now focus on the convention.
“We are united. We are working together. Whoever wins at the convention we will support them and those that will not make it will accept defeat,” said Kaliati.
However, both Njawala and Kaliati could not say if Usi has submitted his nomination papers or if he has paid the K20 million for the presidential race.
Before the NEC press briefing, UTM Party director of youth Penjani Kalua announced that he had withdrawn from the presidential race and would seek re-election as national director of youth.
He said his decision came after consultations with the youth.
The UTM Party is schesuled to hold its convention on November 17 in Mzuzu. The convention has been budgeted at K250 million
