UTM Party’s National Executive Committee (Nec) is expected to convene in Lilongwe this coming Friday in what some party officials have described as a make-or-break meeting, The Daily Times has learned.
The issue of the proposed nomination fees for people who are interested in Nec positions at next month’s elective convention is expected to be one of the agenda items.
We have further established that the announced nomination fees have triggered some silent voices of discontent within the party, especially on how the issue was reportedly handled by the Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Some senior party officials claim the issue was only a proposal by CEC, adding that they were surprised that it came out with some finality without the full blessings of Nec.
“For starters, the nomination fees are exorbitant.
“Secondly, the proposal was supposed to be presented before the National Executive Committee for ratification, a thing that never happened. I don’t understand how some of our leaders are handling party communication,” one official argued.
He added that there was a need for the party to respect its structures and hierarchy to ensure unity of purpose while maintaining and upholding the legacy of their late leader, Saulos Chilima.
State Vice President and UTM interim president Michael Usi, who recently spoke against the announced nomination fees, confirmed calling for the Nec meeting.
He, however, declined to comment on assertions that he chaired the CEC meeting that settled for the nomination fees in question.
“Yes, I can confirm that, indeed, we have a Nec meeting this Friday. Let me not comment much. People will know the truth after the meeting,” Usi said.
He also confirmed that the highly contested issue of nominations fees would form part of the meeting’s agenda.
UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala justified the fees during Times Radio’s ‘Kulinji’ programme, saying this was part of their fundraising drive towards costs of the convention.
Njawala further insisted that Usi was part of the meeting that came up with resolutions on nomination fees.
“That’s what the meeting agreed. All the people that were to the meeting, including our president, agreed too. So, I cannot understand the context in which he was saying this wasn’t agreed,” Njawala said.
He added that the party had pegged the convention budget at about K300 million and hoped the nomination fees would help square that up.
Earlier, Usi said there was no way people that wanted to contest for the presidency would part ways with K20 million, vowing that that would not happen.
In a separate interview, Moses Mlenga, the party’s regional governor for North and Nec member, said CEC’s propositions were only read out before the Nec but that none was deliberated on.
“Our constitution is very clear on what should happen with CEC resolutions or proposals. Nec is supposed to discuss such and either adopt or reject issues. That did not happen. Later on, we saw the issues in the media,” Mlenga said.
He further alleged that some senior party officials were allowing emotions to get ahead of them.
“What is happening is totally wrong and unprocedural and should not be supported in any way,” Mlenga said.
One of the presidential aspirants, who pleaded for anonymity, agreed with Mlenga, noting that some decisions required a sober approach to avoid confusing party followers who anticipate unity to prevail.
Meanwhile, political and governance expert Wonderful Mkhutche has observed that there are two centres of authority in the party, setting the scene for a collision of ideas.
“This is why Usi is finding it hard to lead the party and be recognised as leader,” he said.
So far, five people, including Dalitso Kabambe, Matthews Mtumbuka, Patricia Kaliati, Penjani Kalua and Newton Kambala, have expressed interest in challenging Usi on the presidency.
