Nation Online

UDF worst casualty of Bingu’s death—Analyst

A political scientist has warned United Democratic Front (UDF) to get serious with its strategy ahead of 2014, saying the party is the worst casualty in the aftermath of former president Bingu wa Mutharika’s death.

 The scientist, Joseph Chunga, who is also president of Political Scientists Association, said this in an interview on Friday.

 "In terms of strategy, UDF is the worst hit. The Muluzi camp was championing the change agenda. But now that they are part of government, they cannot talk about change," said Chunga.

He said UDF should seriously show that it is a distinct party even though some of its top officials are now working with the People’s Party government.

 UDF (Atupele Muluzi camp), through its secretary general Kennedy Makwangwala, however, insists the party is not finished like ‘an old curtain’ even after mass defections of some of its members to PP.

 "We are not disturbed by those defections. Most of those defectors are from the Jumbe camp. They had nowhere to go since their positions here at the main party have been filled with others after they failed to heed my call to return," said Makwangwala.

 Asked if the power-sharing deal that saw some UDF heavyweights like Ibrahim Matola and Atupele Muluzi working with President Joyce Banda’s government will affect the former ruling party ahead of 20914, Makwangwala was adamant, insisting UDF is unscathed.

 He, however, said Banda’s recent ascendancy to power has made them rethink their opposition. He said UDF has since suspended rallies and is observing Banda and giving her a chance.

He said if Banda makes mistakes, the rallies will resume and UDF MPs currently in government will be asked to quit.