The United Democratic Front (UDF) has conceded defeat in the September 16 presidential election and has since congratulated Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika who is leading with a wide margin over incumbent President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.
UDF National Executive Committee (NEC), led by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Labana Chilungo, announced on Tuesday afternoon, that as a party that is ingrained in democracy, it was important to accept defeat and let the will of the people should prevail over the wishes of the few others who would want to cling to power.
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The NEC made the declarations when it addressed journalists in Lilongwe.
Other members present at the press briefing included Saidi Bauti, Janet Gwaza, Gilbert Mwechumu and Bilal Mbowani.
“We organized this press briefing to specifically announce our acceptance of the will of the people and congratulate the winning candidate, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika. Although MEC is yet to announce the winner, but from the results released, so far, it is clear that Mutharika is set to win the election with a wide margin,” said Chilungo.
Taking his turn, Mbowani – who is the party’s Regional Youth Director (centre) – cautioned the youth against being weaponised and sponsored to perpetrate violence, stressing that violence does not have a place in a democratic society like Malawi.
Mbowani appealed to the youth from all political parties to unite around consolidating democracy and advancing the social and economic aspirations of the country.
Theme mentioned NEC members admitted that they had organized the presser without the blessings of their party leader, Atupele Muluzi, who is contesting the outcome of the presidential election.
Meanwhile, former president Bakili Muluzi has advised President Chakwera to concede defeat and congratulate the winner.
The elder Muluzi emphasized that “there’s life after the State House”; hence, the importance of the incumbent Head of State to let go of the trappings of the Highest Office in the land.
