Dalitso Kabambe, one of the presidential aspirant for the UTM party, has called on delegates to vote for visionary leaders at the upcoming elective conference.
Speaking to Bua Central Region delegates in Kasungu District, he expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in the 2025 general elections.
“I’m very optimistic that if I am voted into the UTM presidential seat and win next year’s polls, my experience will help address the challenges Malawians face today,” Kabambe stated.
UTM Bua Central Region Governor Gerald Mbewe hailed Kabambe’s remarks, underscoring the need for intelligent leadership to ensure the party’s success.
The UTM party’s 2024 elective conference is scheduled for November 17.
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Young Human Rights Defenders Network Backs UTM Election Results
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.
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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.
Mutharika and Kabambe register as voters in Thyolo, lure supporters
By Burnett Munthali
In a rare political coincidence, former president and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika and his former protégé-turned-UTM Party leader Dalitso Kabambe registered as voters within a few kilometers of each other in Thyolo yesterday. Both leaders took the opportunity to address their supporters and woo eligible voters in preparation for the highly anticipated September 16, 2025, General Elections.
Kabambe, who was accompanied by his supporters, registered at Chikumba Primary School near Masambanjati, while Mutharika, joined by his wife Gertrude, registered at Goliati Trading Centre.
Mutharika, who led Malawi from 2014 to 2020, spent less than 10 minutes at the voter registration center before addressing a crowd of DPP supporters. In his speech, he pledged to tackle Malawi’s challenges, including hunger, inflation, and nepotism, and described himself as the ideal candidate for the presidency.
“I am surprised that Dr. Chakwera still wants to contest in the 2025 Presidential Election,” Mutharika said. “This administration has failed Malawians. Prices have skyrocketed, and the people are suffering.”
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The former president also accused the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) of plotting to rig the elections through Smartmatic, a company contracted to manage the electoral process.
“MCP wants to rig the elections with their Smartmatic company,” he warned. “Do not let this discourage you from registering because we will not accept rigged results. Register so we can vote this government out.”
Kabambe, who left the DPP in July after a power struggle to replace Mutharika as party leader, echoed similar sentiments about the need for change in leadership. Addressing his supporters after registering, he expressed confidence in his ability to lead Malawi into a brighter future.
“UTM will win in 2025, and Malawians want change. They must vote for me,” Kabambe said to his enthusiastic followers.
Kabambe took the reins of the UTM Party following the tragic death of its founding president and then-Vice President Saulos Chilima in a military plane crash earlier this year. His rise to leadership saw him secure 636 votes at the UTM convention, defeating key contenders such as Patricia Kaliati, Newton Kambala, and Matthews Mtumbuka.
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Kabambe called for the extension of the voter registration exercise by three weeks, citing logistical challenges in many registration centers. “It is crucial that MEC extends this process to ensure all eligible voters are registered,” he emphasized.
Both Mutharika and Kabambe criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration, calling for a change in leadership. They urged supporters to register as voters to ensure their voices are heard in the 2025 elections.
Kabambe also revealed that he had met with UTM presidential aspirants who lost at the recent convention, including Kaliati, Kambala, and Mtumbuka, to foster unity within the party. “We made commitments to work together, and my colleagues are committed to this cause,” he said.
The voter registration exercise, now in its second phase, is set to conclude today in Thyolo and other districts, including Blantyre, Zomba, Kasungu, and Nkhata Bay. So far, 168 constituencies and 374 wards have completed the registration process, with the remaining areas scheduled for November 28 to December 3.
As the 2025 elections draw closer, the political rivalry between Mutharika and Kabambe, once allies in the DPP, is shaping up as a significant storyline in Malawi’s political landscape. Both leaders have vowed to lead Malawi into a new era, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest.
Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika lauds Thyolo East Supporters, criticizes Chakwera Administration
By Burnett Munthali
Former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader, His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Thyolo East Constituency for their unwavering support during his political journey. Speaking to a large crowd at Goliati Trading Centre after registering at the Goliati Registration Centre, Mutharika reflected on the loyalty and trust shown by the people of Thyolo Central and the wider district since his entry into frontline politics in 2007.
Mutharika commended the region for consistently backing the DPP in parliamentary and presidential elections, noting that the party’s strength in Thyolo has been vital to its success. “You have stood by me through thick and thin, and your support is a testament to your belief in the Democratic Progressive Party and its vision for Malawi,” he said.
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The former president took the opportunity to urge all eligible voters to register for the 2025 general elections. He emphasized that mass voter registration and turnout are critical for unseating the current administration. “The only way to bring change is by voting. Register now so that your voice can be heard in 2025,” he urged.
Mutharika did not mince words in his critique of President Lazarus Chakwera and his administration, describing it as a complete failure. He accused Chakwera of mismanaging the country’s economy and failing to deliver on promises made to Malawians.
Taking a metaphorical approach, Mutharika compared Chakwera to nalikukuti, a snake that guards a mango tree but does not eat the mangoes. “Chakwera’s leadership is of no benefit to Malawians. He protects nothing and offers nothing,” he said, questioning Chakwera’s decision to run for re-election.
Addressing internal concerns, Mutharika reassured DPP supporters that the party is united and stronger than ever. He explained that individuals causing divisions within the party had either been dismissed or left voluntarily. “The DPP remains focused and ready to reclaim its rightful position as the governing party of Malawi,” he declared.
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In closing, Mutharika vowed to restore Malawi’s economy if elected president in 2025. He criticized the Chakwera administration for plunging the country into economic despair and pledged to bring back the progress Malawi enjoyed during his tenure. “We have done it before, and we can do it again. I promise to deliver the leadership and vision that Malawians deserve,” he said.
Mutharika’s speech served as a rallying cry for DPP supporters, as he continues to position himself as a strong contender in the upcoming elections.
VP Usi pledges support to the needy
Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has said he deliberately chose not to pay the MK20 million nomination fee for presidential aspirants during the just-ended United Transformation Movement (UTM) convention on account that the money was enough to bail out some vulnerable families from poverty.
He was speaking on Thursday at Lunzu Market in Blantyre when he made a brief stop to interact with a mammoth crowd that gathered to warmly welcome him from Lilongwe.
Usi said he has already made plans to spend the money prudently, which includes supporting the elderly and other vulnerable groups with necessities.
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“Very soon, I will buy fertilizers to support the elderly, hire the youths to assist the elderly in farms and also support schools in rural areas with solar,” said Usi.
Usi observed that poverty is real and that the government is doing everything possible to provide loans through the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to people to engage in income-generating activities.
However, Usi advised Lunzu Market Committee to ensure that those who have already benefited from the NEEF loans pave way for others.
“Next week, a team from NEEF will come to register you for the loans. It is my plea that you allow other deserving business people access the loans as well,” he said.
He also encouraged the gathering to register in large numbers in the ongoing second phase of voter registration exercise in Blantyre and other districts.
Your voice matters and your vote can make a difference. Voting gives you the power to influence key decisions that shape our community, our country and our future. If you haven’t yet registered, now is the perfect time,” he advised.
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Speaking earlier, Chairperson for Lunzu Market, Henderson Ligomeka expressed gratitude to the government for supporting vendors with NEEF loans to boost their capital base.
Ligomeka also hailed President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera for implementing various development projects such as the construction of tarmac roads and police houses.
After conducting a tour of Lunzu Market, the Vice President also stopped at Kameza roundabout to interact with people.
Celebrity Tamia Ja pleads with U.S. President Trump over malawi’s fuel crisis
By Burnett Munthali
In a bold social media statement, celebrity Tamia Ja Waying’alula has made an impassioned appeal to former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, asking for help as Malawi grapples with a worsening fuel crisis. Her post, which has gained traction online, highlights the dire state of affairs in the country, from long fuel queues to corruption and growing socio-economic inequalities.
“President Donald J. Trump, please help us in Malawi. We have a fuel crisis in our country. People are even sleeping at filling stations for fuel,” wrote Tamia, expressing frustration over the deteriorating situation.
Tamia criticized the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, accusing powerful individuals of exploiting the system while ordinary Malawians struggle to meet their basic needs. She added, “Rich people are getting richer, corruption is too high. When we start to speak out to identify all the problems that we are facing, they scare us by saying, ‘Politics is a dirty game.’ Malawi is now worse than before.”
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Her comments reflect the frustrations of many Malawians who have been dealing with a prolonged fuel shortage that has paralyzed businesses and disrupted daily life. With fuel pumps running dry and vehicles lining up for hours, the crisis has sparked public outcry against perceived government inaction.
While Tamia’s appeal to Trump may appear unconventional, it underscores a growing sense of desperation and a call for international attention to Malawi’s challenges. It also highlights the role of celebrities in voicing societal concerns and amplifying the grievances of ordinary citizens.
As public discourse continues to build around the fuel crisis, many are urging the government to take immediate and effective measures to address the shortages and restore normalcy. However, for Tamia and many others, the broader issues of corruption, inequality, and governance remain key barriers to Malawi’s progress.
The government is yet to respond to Tamia’s plea, but her message resonates with a growing segment of the population yearning for tangible solutions and meaningful leadership in these trying times.
