By Burnett Munthali
Mzuzu, Malawi – In a keenly contested presidential election held during the United Transformation Movement (UTM) Convention 2024 in Mzuzu, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe emerged as the clear winner, cementing his position as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2025 general elections.
The results, announced after hours of voting and counting, saw Kabambe securing an overwhelming 636 votes, leaving his opponents trailing by wide margins. Patricia Kaliati, one of the prominent figures in the party and current Secretary-General, garnered 21 votes, followed closely by Matthews Mtumbuka with 22 votes. Newton Kambala, another senior party member and former minister, managed to secure 26 votes.
The outcome underscores Kabambe’s growing influence within the party, particularly as UTM seeks to redefine its role in Malawi’s political landscape ahead of the highly anticipated elections. The convention, held under the theme “Unity in Transformation,” brought together delegates from across the country to chart the party’s future and finalize its leadership structure.
In his victory speech, Dr. Kabambe expressed gratitude to the delegates for their confidence in his leadership. “This victory is not mine alone but for the entire UTM family. Together, we shall work tirelessly to transform Malawi and fulfill the aspirations of our people,” he said. He also extended an olive branch to his competitors, calling for unity as the party prepares for the national campaign.
Patricia Kaliati, known for her fiery rhetoric and grassroots support, congratulated Kabambe on his victory and pledged her continued commitment to the party’s cause. Similarly, Matthews Mtumbuka and Newton Kambala echoed calls for unity, emphasizing that the convention’s results represented the will of the people.
The convention also served as a platform for the party to address key policy issues, with Kabambe promising economic reforms, job creation, and anti-corruption measures as the cornerstone of his campaign. His focus on fiscal discipline and developmental strategies resonated strongly with the delegates, likely contributing to his decisive win.
As UTM looks to regain its footing following internal divisions and a waning public image, Kabambe’s leadership will be pivotal in steering the party toward electoral success. The task ahead remains monumental, with UTM needing to solidify its alliances, rebuild public trust, and craft a compelling manifesto to compete against the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The 2024 convention will be remembered not just for Kabambe’s victory but also for its role in shaping the party’s strategy as Malawi heads into a critical election year. The spotlight now firmly rests on Kabambe as he seeks to position UTM as a formidable force in Malawian politics.
