UDF members defy Atupele and Bakili Muluzi, join DPP, AFORD, and UTM Press Briefing

By Burnett Munthali

In a surprising turn of events, several United Democratic Front (UDF) members have defied the party’s leadership under Atupele Muluzi and his father, former President Bakili Muluzi, by participating in a joint press briefing organized by opposition parties Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), and United Transformation Movement (UTM). The press briefing, held in Lilongwe, was focused on pressing national issues ahead of next year’s general elections.

• Sunganimoyo urges Malawi Government not to chase away former colonialists
  By Vincent Gunde Social commentator graduated to an independent presidential aspirant for the 16th September, 2025 elections Isaiah Emmanuel Sunganimoyo,…
• Analysis: Nightfall desperation: Lilongwe’s fuel crisis worsens as queues stretch across the Capital
  By Burnett Munthali The struggle for fuel in Lilongwe is becoming more severe by the day, with scenes of desperation…
• Is Malawi economically safe under President Chakwera? What consequences will the termination of the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility have on our citizens?
  By Rick Dzida Malawians are likely to face challenges as a result of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) decision to…
• MCP’s historic apology: A step toward national healing
  By Burnett Munthali On August 20, 2013, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) made a bold and historic move by publicly…
• Water crisis deepens in Nathenje as local water users association fails to deliver
  By Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent There is an old saying that “water is life,” but for residents of Nathenje Trading Centre…
• Kamphangala accuses MCP of bringing anarchy in Malawi
  By Vincent Gunde A Malawi Congress Party (MCP) diehard of Mvera in Dowa district Mr. Rodgers Kamphangala, has accused the…
• Jumah says savage politics is destroying Malawi
  By Vincent Gunde President and Commander in Chief of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah the Utopian,…
• Why was Malawi’s ECF terminated? Questions on Malawi’s ECF Termination by IMF
  Frequently Asked Questions on Malawi’s ECF Termination by IMF Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the termination of Malawi’s…
• Malawi Records Decline in Childhood Tuberculosis Cases Amid Diagnostic Challenges
  By Burnett Munthali The National TB and Leprosy Elimination Programme has reported a decline in the number of children being…

This move by UDF members has caused significant tension within the party, as the UDF leadership had previously declared its stance of remaining independent, with no plans to form alliances or join forces with other political parties at this time. Despite this, a group of UDF members decided to align themselves with the opposition coalition, signaling a potential rift within the party ranks.

Atupele Muluzi, who has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining the UDF’s independence, had issued statements earlier clarifying that any future alliances would be subject to thorough consultations with the party’s membership. However, these members, seemingly disillusioned with the current direction of the UDF, have taken matters into their own hands by aligning with the opposition bloc.

The joint press briefing between DPP, AFORD, and UTM highlights the opposition’s determination to present a united front in addressing national issues and strategizing for the 2025 general elections. The decision by some UDF members to participate in this event raises questions about the party’s internal unity and future direction.

While it remains unclear how the UDF leadership will respond to this defiance, political analysts speculate that this could lead to internal conflicts within the party, especially as the country moves closer to the elections. The willingness of these UDF members to collaborate with the opposition also reflects the growing momentum of the opposition parties as they seek to challenge the ruling administration in next year’s polls.

The coming days will be critical for the UDF leadership as they navigate this growing divide and attempt to reconcile the party’s differing factions. Meanwhile, the opposition parties continue to push forward with their agenda, potentially gaining strength from these developments.