… as Lilian Patel’s appointment is challenged
The appointment of Lilian Patel as the interim president of the United Democratic Front (UDF) has been challenged. In a letter dated May 30, 2022 allegedly from a member of the party’s Southern Region bloc which bears no signature says the region disapproves the appointment of Patel as the acting president of the party.
The letter says the person who has resigned cannot have powers to appoint his own successor. The letter says power to appoint an acting successor is enshrined in the party.
” We are disapproving the appointment of Hon Lilian Patel as acting president of the party. A person who has resigned can not have powers to appoint his own successor. Appointment of an acting successor is enshrined in our constitution. The National Governing Council of the party is responsible for determining the appointments of successors in every vacant position,” reads part of the letter.
The letter further described the appointment as unconstitutional. The letter says the southern region committee will call for an emergency National Executive Committee meeting to decide on the acting president.
“We are not against Hon Patel but we are against the manner in which she has been appointed. We therefore call for an emergency NEC meeting to decide on the acting president,” reads part of the letter.
Atupele Muluzi stepped down from his position as the president of UDF the position he has held since 2013. The UDF constitution is not clear on the issue of succession when the leader is supposed to step down.
Muluzi has since announced that he is moving away from politics and his new role as a Pan-African business executive provides him space to help President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s development agenda for the country.
Analysts have said Muluzi’s departure from the UDF weakens the alliance between the party and the DPP which is also currently undergoing a party leadership crisis.