MCP, UTM seal alliance, keep supporters guessing on torchbearer

Leaders for the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM have sealed their historical electoral alliance deal without disclosing their torchbearer in the forthcoming fresh presidential election.

MCP president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his UTM counterpart Dr. Saulos Chilima signed the agreement at a colourful ceremony at Kamuzu Institute for Sports in Lilongwe on Thursday without disclosing the terms of their alliance agreement.

Speaking to YFM after the signing ceremony Dr. Chakwera said Malawians will know the alliance’s torch bearer soon after the release of the electoral calendar.

Dr. Chakwera also faulted Malawi President Peter Mutharika for firing Malawi Defence Force Commander General Vincent Nundwe and dissolving his cabinet.

According to Chakwera this is a signal that things have fallen apart in government.

He also rebuked the acts of attacking judges who handled the presidential elections case.

“This behaviour of insulting and intimidating judges is uncalled for and it must stop. President Mutharika must learn to respect the law. He can’t never be a lawyer, a judge and everything all by himself,” Chakwera said.

He also took a swipe at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for its decision to hire South African lawyers to represent the commission at the Supreme Court of Appeal.

He said the money to be spent on the foreign lawyers could have helped to solve some challenges facing Malawians.

On his part Dr. Chilima said the two sides plus other electoral partners will meet soon to discuss elements of the manifestos to adopt among other issues that need to be taken care of.

Dr. Chilima reiterated his assurance to supporters that no one will rig the forthcoming presidential poll.

The former Airtel Malawi Chief Executive Officer turned politician also disclosed that he has information that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is seeking access from local telecommunication companies to spy opposition political party members.

He stressed that should anyone dismiss his claim, he shall proceed to publicize in newspapers the evidence he has sourced on the same.

Former Malawi President Dr. Joyce Banda herself and other women in the country are not wizards.

Her remarks have come few days after DPP Secretary General Gelzeder Jeffrey told supporters at a political rally in Blantyre that no witch is more dangerous like a woman.

The signing ceremony was graced by leaders of political parties that are also part of the MCP-UTM alliance including Professor John Chisi of Umodzi Party, Enoch Chihana of AFORD and Khumbo Kachali of Freedom Party.

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