By Chisomo Phiri
Renowned governance commentator Undule Mwakasungula has described the United Transformation Movement (UTM)’s decision to pull out of the Tonse Alliance partnership as a misstep that does not bode well for the party’s growth and future stability.
In a statement made available to this publication,Mwakasungula says the decision warrants careful scrutiny.
The UTM Party central executive committee announced at a media briefing in Lilongwe on Friday that it would recommend to the national executive committee to break free from the alliance it formed with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and other political parties prior to the 2020 fresh presidential election.
However, Mwakasungula says the timing of the decision is a concern.
He says:”This decision appears to be emotional rather than a strategic party consideration. The statement issued by UTM highlights grievances regarding the terms of the alliance agreement and perceived betrayal. While these concerns might be notable, addressing them by exiting the alliance does not seem to be the best constructive approach. Such a decision is an emotional reaction rather than a well-considered strategy for the party’s future and participation in the 2025 elections.”
A statement signed by UTM Party secretary general Patricia Kaliati, issued after the media briefing on Friday, accused MCP of betraying and mocking an alliance agreement between the two parties.
Part of the statement reads:”The very existence of the agreement was denied, and its terms mocked. It was very clear to us that our colleagues never went into the alliance with honorable or sincere intentions.
“By undermining and betraying the agreement the way our colleagues have, they have from the very beginning clearly telegraphed their intention that they no longer considered the agreement binding.”
UTM Party was founded by late Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima on July 21,2018.
