BLANTYRE--Newly elected opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) National Chairperson Atupele Muluzi has pledged to foster unity in the party with the aim of forming a strong a movement that would transform the country and its citizens. 

Speaking Wednesday morning, Atupele, son to former president Bakili Muluzi, said he was ready to re-pay the confidence of the party’s followers by bringing about unity and advancing the interests of all Malawians. 

When asked if was going to resign as Economic Planning Minister to concentrate on his efforts, Atupele said he will continue supporting and working together with Pres Joyce Banda to transform the country’s economy.

He said Malawi's current government of national unity was imperative and ensures equal distribution of resources and provides checks and balances. 

But one senior member of the party, who asked anonymity, said it was “a must for young Muluzi to resign as cabinet minster to concentrate on building the party at the same time start strategizing for 2014 general elections."

Meanwhile, former executive member George Nga Mtafu has condemned the convention claiming that it was rigged. He said there was a list of contestants already arranged to compete for the seeded positions. This arrangement couldn't have allowed him to contest for the position of the national chairperson as he isn't originally from the Southern Region, but hails from Likoma district in the Northern Region.

On the other, Friday Jumbe, who also boycotted the convention, has insisted that forum was illegal, promising to challenge its outcome. Jumbe said the party should've ironed out leadership divisions first before holding the convention.

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(c) The Maravi Post 2012. Reproduction without acknowledgement prohibited

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