By Burnett Munthali

The UTM Party has announced that it will hold its much-anticipated national convention on November 17 this year in Mzuzu. The decision was confirmed after a successful party meeting led by UTM President Michael Usi, where key matters surrounding the upcoming convention were discussed.

Speaking on behalf of the party, spokesperson Felix Njawala described the meeting as one of the most productive gatherings, especially as it comes after the recent passing of the party’s founder and former leader, Saulos Chilima. Njawala highlighted that the meeting allowed the party to come together and make unified decisions for the path forward.

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Among the key resolutions, UTM has agreed to extend the deadline for submission of nomination papers for individuals interested in contesting various positions within the party. The deadline has now been pushed to next Monday, giving candidates additional time to complete the paperwork.

Njawala also confirmed that the K20 million nomination fee for presidential aspirants will remain unchanged, following agreement among party members during the meeting. This fee, which has stirred some debate, was upheld as a fair requirement for those vying for the top position in the party.

The November 17 convention will be a pivotal event for UTM, as the party looks to renew its leadership and chart a course for the future following the recent passing of Chilima. Party members and supporters across Malawi are eagerly anticipating this convention as a defining moment in UTM’s journey.