UDF Aims for 2025 Comeback, Calls for Youth Engagement in Malawi
The UDF, once a dominant force in Malawian politics, is seeking to rebuild its base and present a strong challenge in the 2025 general elections.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — The United Democratic Front (UDF) has declared its intention to reclaim power in Malawi's 2025 elections, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in revitalizing the party, writes Francis Tayanjah-Phiri.
At a forum organized by party laypeople at UDF headquarters in Naperi, Executive Committee member Ken Ndanga and parliamentary leader Ned Poya described the party as a "sleeping giant" poised for a comeback.
"Let's stick to our party and have a sense of ownership," Poya urged.
"UDF has the masses, and what we need is to be dedicated, and realize that we have the numbers at the grassroots that can make us bounce back into government."
The party, which led Malawi's transition to multiparty democracy in 1993, is planning a convention on Oct. 2 with all leadership positions open for contest.
Ndanga highlighted the significance of their Naperi headquarters in Malawi's political history.
"It is an area where our party lieutenants used to gather and map forward the multiparty politics of Malawi," he said.
Southern Region Governor Dorothy Mwasinga emphasized the party's open-door policy, encouraging youth participation in the upcoming convention to demonstrate UDF's commitment to a youth agenda.
The UDF, once a dominant force in Malawian politics, is seeking to rebuild its base and present a strong challenge in the 2025 general elections.
Party leaders expressed confidence in their ability to field a competitive presidential candidate.