…backs Kabambe for 2030
Rising living costs are fuelling political frustration, and the UTM Party believes angry voters could hand the party its first chance to govern Malawi in the 2030 General Election.
Speaking on Luntha Television on Tuesday, UTM Vice President Matthews Mtumbuka dismissed claims that the party is collapsing, insisting it is growing stronger despite recent defections.
“UTM is not collapsing. Right now the party is rising again and is heading into government in 2030,” Mtumbuka said.
He argued that soaring prices have left many Malawians disappointed with the current administration.
“It is the people who are encouraging us. People have already started saying Congress was better than the current government because the cost of living has become too high. They are frustrated and want another government that can help them. That government is UTM,” he said.
Mtumbuka however, ruled himself out of the UTM presidential race, saying he will instead campaign for party president Dalitso Kabambe in the 2030 election.
“I will fully support Kabambe because I believe he can lead UTM to victory,” he said.
The Rumphi Central legislator also rejected suggestions that recent defections show UTM is weakening.
“Even successful companies lose employees. You cannot say National Bank is collapsing because someone has joined Standard Bank. The same applies to UTM. When some leave, others join. Sometimes that is actually a sign of growth,” he said.
Mtumbuka added that even under the late Saulos Chilima, some members left the party, but UTM remained intact.
“If 20 or 30 people left at once, then we could say there is a serious problem. But one person leaving happens in every political party, including the one in government,” he said.
