Usi Withdraws from UTM Convention, Citing Constitutional Violations

State Vice President Michael Usi has announced his withdrawal from the United Transformation Movement’s (UTM) elective convention, citing constitutional violations by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

As the current UTM president, Usi expressed concerns over the NEC’s alleged illegal moves, including unauthorized changes to the party constitution and alterations to the composition of delegates.

Usi emphasized that participating in the convention would make him complicit in violating the party’s constitution, undermining public trust in his ability to uphold the Republic’s Constitution. He specifically mentioned three key violations:

• Unconstitutional Changes: Moves to change the party constitution without due process.
• Altered Delegate Composition: Changes to the composition of delegates to the national conference.
• Premature National Conference: Proceeding with the national conference before similar exercises are held at constitutional, district, and regional levels.

Usi has opted not to file his nomination papers, stating he has “no time for unnecessary fights” The UTM elective convention is scheduled for November 17, 2024, in Mzuzu, with 48 positions available for contest.

However, George Chaima, a renowned political commentator, is urging UTM leaders to resolve their internal differences through dialogue to uphold democratic principles within the party expressing concern over a party leader withdrawing his candidature due to misunderstandings about the party’s rules.

According to Dr. Chaima, “dialogue is crucial in addressing these issues. However, the situation is complicated, as UTM President Michael Usi recently announced that all differences regarding the November 17th convention had been resolved”.

This development comes after Usi withdrew from the UTM elective convention, citing unconstitutional decisions made by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), a decision was reportedly driven by fears of an embarrassing defeat, as he lacked delegate support.

Meanwhile, some UTM leaders have started nominating former Reserve Bank of Malawi governor Dr Dalitso Kabambe for the position of president, Usi’s name is yet to be nominated by anyone.