By Burnett Munthali
Helen Chabunya, the second-in-command for the UTM party in the Central Region, recently spoke at a political rally held at Bata sports ground in Salima, where the party was hosting a gathering to discuss its mission and political objectives. Chabunya’s speech revolved around the UTM party’s commitment to eradicating corruption and fostering inclusive development that ensures no Malawian is left behind.
According to Chabunya, the UTM party’s primary goal is to ensure that, should it emerge victorious in the upcoming September elections, it would continue its efforts to empower both women and the youth. This focus, Chabunya emphasized, is crucial in overcoming the long-standing barriers posed by political parties that have traditionally dominated the country’s political landscape, which she believes have hindered true development.
Chabunya further stressed that the UTM party is focused on empowering the most vulnerable groups in society, particularly women and young people, who have often been marginalized in political and economic spheres. She mentioned that the party would prioritize policies that create opportunities for these groups and ensure their active participation in all areas of national development.
In the rally, Chabunya also pointed out that the upcoming elections in September are pivotal for Malawi’s future. She underscored that the UTM party is determined to bring about real change by eliminating corruption, a challenge that has plagued Malawi’s political system for years. The vision of the UTM is one where the country’s development is driven by accountability, transparency, and the equitable distribution of resources.
During the rally, it was also revealed that a total of 49 new members had joined the UTM party, coming from various political parties such as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), People’s Party (PP), and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). This influx of new members is seen as a sign of growing support for UTM’s values and the party’s call for a fresh approach to governance, one that focuses on the country’s long-term prosperity and the betterment of all Malawians.
The defection of these members from established political parties to UTM is significant, as it highlights a growing dissatisfaction with the status quo and an increasing desire for change. It also signals a potential shift in Malawi’s political landscape, with many people now looking toward the UTM party as a beacon of hope for true development and reform.
Chabunya reiterated that the UTM party’s mission is not just about political victories, but about setting the stage for a future where Malawians, regardless of gender or age, can have equal access to opportunities and resources. She firmly believes that the current state of affairs, where corruption and inefficiency have been allowed to thrive, has stunted the country’s progress and must be addressed head-on.
As part of its strategy, UTM aims to foster development through a clean government, one that does not engage in the corrupt practices that have become entrenched in many political systems. The focus will be on creating a government that works for the people, not just for those in power, with a special emphasis on economic empowerment for marginalized groups.
In conclusion, Chabunya’s message at the rally was clear: UTM is committed to bringing about change, not only through political victories but through a broader commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that national development benefits everyone in Malawi. With more people joining their cause and the momentum continuing to build, the UTM party is setting itself up to be a formidable force in Malawi’s political future, driven by a vision of fairness, equity, and sustainable development for all.
