Felix Njawala, UTM’s publicity secretary, has been accused of misrepresenting resolutions from a recent NEC meeting regarding the party’s convention. He repeated the convention date without NEC ratification, failed to disclose the agreed venue, and manipulated eligibility criteria, raising concerns over his intentions related to Dr. Dalitso Kabambe’s candidacy. This internal strife threatens the party’s future and cohesion, as insiders call for accountability and adherence to democratic processes.
Recent developments within the United Transformation Movement (UTM) have raised serious questions about the accuracy and integrity of public statements made by Felix Njawala, the party’s publicity secretary. During the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, held at the residence of Vice President Dr. Michael Usi in Lilongwe, critical resolutions were discussed regarding the party’s upcoming convention. However, Njawala’s subsequent press statement appears to deviate significantly from the actual decisions made by the NEC. In a controversial move, Njawala reiterated the convention date as November 17, 2024, despite having previously announced it a month earlier without NEC ratification. Insiders have suggested that this repeated announcement was an attempt to cover up the initial miscommunication, indicating a potential violation of party protocols. One anonymous insider remarked, “He has this thing of going to the public and making statements about things that NEC hasn’t ratified, which is a serious disciplinary issue.” Moreover, while the NEC had reached a consensus to hold the convention in Mzuzu—recognizing the party’s strength in the Northern Region—Njawala conspicuously omitted this piece of information. Reports suggest he favored holding the convention in Blantyre, purportedly to attract a larger audience from the Southern Region. Sources close to the situation allege that Njawala’s motivations include furthering his agenda by rallying support for his preferred presidential candidate, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe. Insiders note that Njawala has been somewhat protective of Kabambe’s candidacy, suggesting that Njawala’s strategic decisions—such as venue selection and eligibility criteria—align with Kabambe’s political viability and financial backing for the party. The eligibility criteria discussed during the NEC meeting stipulated that candidates for high party offices must have been members for at least two years, a resolution Njawala inadequately represented to the public. This restriction arose from intelligence reports concerning external candidates, particularly from the People’s Party and the United Democratic Front, intending to contest for the UTM presidency. An insider stated, “The party felt we need to protect the integrity of UTM that is why that resolution was arrived at and agreed.” As tensions mount within UTM, there are serious implications for the party’s future and its ability to maintain a unified front. The actions of Njawala have sparked outrage among party members, with many labeling his conduct as a betrayal. One high-ranking NEC official expressed, “Njawala’s actions are a betrayal of trust. We will not stand idly by while he undermines the party’s democratic processes.” Our attempts to contact Njawala for clarification were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls. Similar outreach efforts directed towards Secretary General Patricia Kaliati were met with silence. The UTM now finds itself at a critical juncture, faced with internal conflict that threatens its cohesion and democratic values. The question remains: will the party navigate through these turbulent waters, or will Njawala’s alleged misrepresentation and self-serving tactics lead to its downfall?
The United Transformation Movement (UTM) has recently faced turmoil following allegations against Felix Njawala, the party’s publicity secretary, for misrepresenting important resolutions from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). This incident highlights underlying conflicts within the party regarding leadership strategies, candidate eligibility, and decision-making processes that could impact the party’s integrity and electoral prospects. With various factions within UTM, the effectiveness of its governance and internal democracy is now under intense scrutiny.
In summary, the integrity of UTM’s decision-making processes is being called into question due to Felix Njawala’s alleged misrepresentation of NEC resolutions regarding the upcoming convention. His actions, which include a repeated announcement of the convention date and the omission of critical venue details, suggest a possible agenda that may favor specific candidates, particularly Dr. Dalitso Kabambe. As UTM grapples with these internal tensions, the future of the party hangs in the balance, demanding immediate reflection and resolution to preserve its democratic foundation and public trust.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
