Following the tragic death of Saulos Chilima, the country’s vice president and leader of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), opposition parties have begun to unify in their political efforts.
This collaboration has raised questions about the possibility of a grand alliance forming.
UTM, which was a key partner in the Tonse Alliance alongside the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has found common ground with other opposition parties.
These include the main opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the United Democratic Front (UDF), and the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD).
Hours before UTM held its final National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for the upcoming electoral convention, the party’s Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati, was arrested.
According to Senior Superintendent Peter Kalaya, a publicist with the National Police, Kaliati is suspected of conspiring with others to commit a serious offense (felony).
“MPS arrested Hon. Kaliati in Lilongwe on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The Service has evidence which implicates Hon. Kaliati and two others for the said conspiracy. Details of the serious offense that she is accused of and individuals she conspired together with will be given out to the public at an appropriate time,” he said
The arrest of Kaliati has united opposition parties.
After her arrest was announced, leaders from various opposition parties gathered at Lingadzi Police Station on Thursday, where she spent the night, and later visited the National Police Headquarters and Lilongwe Police Station on Friday.
These leaders shared a common belief that Kaliati’s arrest was intended to silence government critics.
A statement released by the UTM on Friday called for Kaliati’s immediate and unconditional release.
The party emphasized that the arrest was meant to intimidate not only the veteran politician but also other opposition members.
Recent developments appear to be distancing the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) from the public while simultaneously uniting the other opposition parties.
As the country approaches the presidential election in 2025, these parties are likely to discuss potential alliances to achieve the 50 +1 vote target. Currently, MCP stands isolated from the rest.
