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.

• Malawi’s 2025 Presidential showdown: Is Chakwera still the answer or is it time for Mutharika’s return?
  Chakwera’s leadership has been marred by rising inflation, fuel and forex shortages, high cost of living, and widespread concerns about government waste and corruption.
• Mukhito pledges transformation for Lilongwe City Centre if DPP returns to power
  He emphasized that the people of Lilongwe City Centre deserve better infrastructure, services, and economic opportunities, and his leadership will prioritize addressing their long-standing needs.
• Kalindo says Malawi is a country of shame
  Kalindo said the Army and Police have forgotten their role of serving the people and instead, they are serving politicians of the ruling political party in government saying it is not surprising that the European Union (EU) has threaten to withdraw military support to the two institutions.
• Kamlepo Kalua claims Malawians are not against Chakwera
  By Vincent GundePresident Dr. Lazarus Chakwera..,… he has taken Malawi to a land of terror.
• Chimwemwe Idana Bids Farewell to Silver Strikers, Set for Zanaco FC Move
  Idana, who signed with the Central Bankers in 2023 from Tanzania’s Mbeya FC, leaves behind a remarkable legacy
• Mapingo CDSS Students Protest K12,000 Exam Fees
  By Suleman Chitera,We are already paying school fees. Why are they demanding more money from us?” one student questioned
• Malawi Government and Huawei Begin Smart Village Construction in Lilongwe
  The government is committed to ensuring that no Malawian is left behind in the digital era,” said Kunkuyu.
• Dr. Dalitso Kabambe Pledges Economic Revival on Whistle Stop Tour in Machinga
  Malawians are not lazy — they are some of the most hardworking people in the region. The problem is not effort; the problem is the system that has failed them. Our economy is on its knees, and it must be fixed for the people to thrive,” said Dr. Kabambe.
• Paul Aaron Gadama slams Chakwera’s forex mismanagement, urges Malawians to rally behind DPP
  Dr. Gadama expressed deep concern over what he described as the president’s reckless and irresponsible spending of the country’s limited forex reserves.He lamented that at a time when Malawi

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.