By Burnett Munthali
UTM president Dalitso Kabambe has announced that the party is actively recruiting young people and women to represent it as candidates for Members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors in the upcoming September 16 General Election.
Kabambe made these remarks today during a press briefing held in Lilongwe, where the party also welcomed seven shadow MPs who have reportedly defected from the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
The move is seen as a strategic effort by UTM to strengthen its political base and widen its appeal, particularly among the youth and women, who make up a significant portion of Malawi’s voting population.
Kabambe emphasized that UTM strongly believes that democracy in Malawi will thrive if more young people and women are elected into leadership positions.
He argued that for true democratic governance to take root, there is a need to empower historically underrepresented groups in the country’s political landscape.
Kabambe further highlighted that UTM’s recruitment drive aligns with the party’s core values of inclusivity, progress, and modernization of Malawi’s political system.
He noted that many young people and women have the potential to bring fresh ideas, energy, and integrity into politics, which could lead to meaningful change in governance.
The defection of the seven shadow MPs from MCP to UTM is being interpreted as a sign of growing dissatisfaction within the ruling party and shifting political loyalties ahead of the elections.
Kabambe stated that UTM remains open to welcoming more individuals who share the party’s vision and are committed to serving Malawians with dedication and transparency.
The party’s strategy of prioritizing youth and women in leadership positions is also in line with global trends that advocate for increased political participation among these groups.
Observers believe that UTM’s approach could help reshape Malawi’s political environment, which has historically been dominated by veteran politicians and male leaders.
Kabambe reiterated that the success of democracy in Malawi depends on diversity and inclusivity, calling on all eligible young people and women to step forward and take up leadership roles.
He urged Malawians to support the idea of electing leaders who are forward-thinking, progressive, and determined to bring transformative policies to the country.
With the September 16 General Election drawing closer, political parties are intensifying their campaigns, and UTM’s focus on youth and women is likely to be a key part of its electoral strategy.
As more candidates are unveiled, the coming months will reveal whether UTM’s recruitment drive will significantly impact the country’s political landscape.
The success of this initiative will largely depend on how well the party mobilizes support and convinces the electorate that its candidates represent the change Malawians desire.
Moving forward, UTM’s ability to maintain political momentum and attract more defectors from other parties will determine its strength in the highly competitive election.
For now, the party remains confident that by championing youth and women’s representation, it is positioning itself as a force for democratic renewal and governance reform in Malawi.
