Young Human Rights Defenders Network Backs UTM Election Results

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By Edward Maloya

The Young Human Rights Defenders Network (YHRDN) has condemned allegations of rigging in the United Transformation Movement’s (UTM) recent presidential elections.

According to the YHRDN, the elections were free, fair, and credible, with the new UTM president, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, representing the true wishes of the convention delegates.

YHRDN Chairperson Mervin Nxumayo emphasized the need for the party to focus on selling its manifesto and encouraging voter registration to sustain Malawi’s democratic principles and socio-economic growth.

“UTM has conducted the best convention among them all political parties, all the positions were contested for, and those who excelled did their campaigns very well. This is a significant democratic process missing in many parties whose leaders were just endorsed,” said Nxumayo.

He further praised the UTM for conducting a transparent and democratic convention, where all positions were contested and winners were determined through fair campaigns.

The YHRDN’s statement comes amid allegations of rigging by UTM presidential aspirants Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka and Engineer Newton Kambala.

Meanwhile, the UTM convention organizers and the Mtendere Electoral Support Network have denied the rigging allegations stating that every process of the election was closely monitored by all the observer teams.

Despite his claims, Dr. Mtumbuka has stated that he will not contest the outcome and remains committed to serving the party.