Felix Njawala, UTM’s publicity secretary, is accused of misrepresenting resolutions from a critical NEC meeting regarding the party’s upcoming convention. Key issues include the manipulation of the convention date, omission of the agreed venue, and misrepresentation of candidate eligibility criteria. Insiders suggest Njawala’s actions aim to benefit a favored candidate, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, leading to escalating tensions within the party that threaten its future stability.
The United Transformation Movement (UTM) finds itself embroiled in controversy following revelations that publicity secretary Felix Njawala has misstated crucial resolutions from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The meeting, held at the residence of Vice President Dr. Michael Usi in Lilongwe, addressed several critical aspects of the upcoming party convention. It has come to light that Njawala manipulated the announcement of the convention date, deliberately failing to disclose the agreed-upon venue, and misrepresented eligibility criteria concerning party candidates. Regarding the convention date, Njawala re-announced November 17, 2024, after an earlier announcement that lacked NEC ratification. Insiders have indicated that this second announcement signifies an admission of his initial misstep. Additionally, Njawala’s omission of the venue—Mzuzu, which had been deliberated upon during the NEC meeting—suggests an ulterior motive, potentially favoring his preferred location in Blantyre. Sources state that in his advocacy for Blantyre, Njawala has resorted to regionalist rhetoric, creating discord within the party. Furthermore, Njawala’s remarks on eligibility criteria misrepresented the NEC’s resolution to restrict candidacy for key positions to individuals who have been party members for at least two years. This decision, intended to safeguard the integrity of the party amid potential influxes of candidates from rival parties, was not communicated accurately by Njawala, leading to speculation about his underlying intentions. Insiders suspect Njawala aims to pave the way for his favored candidate, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, a significant financial supporter of the party. Tensions within UTM have escalated, raising questions about its viability amid these internal conflicts. Efforts to contact Njawala for clarification have been unsuccessful. The future of UTM hangs in the balance as trust in its leadership wanes, potentially threatening its unity and effectiveness.
The UTM, a political movement aimed at transforming governance in Malawi, is facing a critical moment as internal controversies threaten its cohesion. The NEC, which is the party’s key decision-making body, plays a vital role in setting policy and guiding the party’s direction. The recent NEC meeting, therefore, was crucial in determining the conditions for the upcoming convention and ensuring that processes are followed properly to maintain party integrity. The actions of Njawala have sparked significant concern among party members, who fear that misrepresentations could undermine democratic processes within the UTM.
The controversy surrounding Felix Njawala’s actions raises serious concerns about accountability and the integrity of the UTM’s internal processes. His misrepresentation of resolutions regarding the convention date, venue, and eligibility criteria has generated friction within the party, potentially jeopardizing its stability and future. As internal strife escalates, the foundation of the UTM is at risk, prompting urgent questions about its leadership and direction moving forward.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
