Smokesless smoke continues to billow from the UTM Party, as Vice-President Michael Usi declares himself the bonafide president following the death of Saulos Chilima in a military plane crash on June 10.
In a public rally, Usi emphasized that he automatically ascended to the party’s highest position, citing the party’s constitution.
“I am not the acting president of UTM, I am the president,” said Usi as qouted by a local news paper.
However, the party’s secretary general, Patricia Kaliati, has announced the withdrawal of UTM from the governing Tonse Alliance, casting a shadow over Usi’s claim.
Political analyst Ernest Thindwa notes that the division within the party is evident, pointing to the absence of top hierarchy during Usi’s swearing-in ceremony as Vice-President.
“This party needed to demonstrate unity in the absence of Dr. Chilima, but this is an indication that the party is slowly dying,” Thindwa said.
The power struggle within UTM raises questions about the party’s future and its role in the governing alliance.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear – the UTM Party is facing an existential crisis.
