As the UTM convention draws nearer, the political landscape within the party has intensified, with presidential candidate Dr. Dalitso Kabambe receiving a series of high-profile endorsements from influential figures such as Hon. Willet Kalonga, Hon. Allan Ngumuya, Hon. Penjani Kalua, Hon. Elsie Mituka, Hon. Alex Bulirani, and several others.

Recently Dr Kabambe has been a centre of curiosity with his free-hand style of dishing money in Millions at every chance that is presenting itself. People have already raised suspicions that Dr Kabambe is desperate to get the UTM seat regardless of the means of getting it. If it means Millions or Billions have to be spent seems he is ready to go to that mile. The question of where the money is coming from has been discussed before with some pointing to Mulli and his cohorts as the main financiers of this Kabambe campaign. For whatever reasons?

Now with such allegations, these endorsements raise an important question: Are these leaders aligning themselves with Dr. Kabambe out of genuine conviction in his leadership, or is financial influence playing a central role?

Are these endorsements based on authentic support and a thoughtful evaluation of Dr. Kabambe’s suitability for the presidency. Reports suggest that huge financial incentives are being offered in exchange for these public endorsements.

While endorsements are a natural part of any political campaign, it is essential to ask whether UTM’s top leaders are genuinely driven by Kabambe’s vision.

Endorsements and Financial Influence

Endorsements typically serve as a gauge of a candidate’s appeal and capabilities, signaling to the public and party members that certain figures trust in a candidate’s vision. In this case, however, some reports indicate that a few leaders initially endorsed other candidates but shifted allegiance to Dr. Kabambe after allegedly being offered huge sums. In one instance, Dr. Kabambe allegedly offered to not only reimburse prior “endorsement-related” fees paid by a competing candidate that included candidacy fees for the endorser but also to increase the amount substantially, with other adds on. Such claims, if true, need to be looked at seriously, making the whole election process transactional rather than based on sincere trust in one’s leadership.

The allegations also highlight a broader concern at national affairs. The impact of financial power in Malawian politics. While funds are necessary to run an effective campaign, reliance on wealth to secure endorsements brings forth questions about integrity. Should UTM members and delegates prioritize endorsements that may have been influenced by financial transactions over endorsements made out of genuine support and belief in the candidate’s vision and capability?

Does Money Trump Integrity in Endorsements?

For any political party, there is an inherent risk in prioritizing wealth over integrity when selecting leaders. While financial contributions certainly aid campaign efforts, UTM’s foundational values, as espoused by leaders such as late Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima, emphasize integrity, transparency, and dedication to public service. If financial incentives indeed play a part in securing endorsements for Dr. Kabambe, it would signal a troubling shift away from these values.

Leaders who publicly support a candidate should ideally do so because they believe that candidate can best serve the party and the country. The nature of these endorsements and the allegations surrounding them, however, raise doubts about whether Dr. Kabambe’s recent wave of support genuinely reflects his appeal or if it is largely driven by strategic financial offerings.

Political Strategy or Genuine Alignment?

Dr. Kabambe’s efforts to consolidate endorsements appear to be part of a broader strategy to present himself as the leading choice within UTM. By securing these endorsements, Kabambe is building a cosmetic image of strong intra-party support and influence. However, this tactic could backfire and affect the entire UTM going forward. Malawians are not gullible; they can see some underhand tactics from a far and currently they know what is happening and watching. Malawians know that these endorsements are insincere and financially motivated. This would likely lead to further skepticism about Kabambe’s ability to rule and his commitment to transparency and integrity.

If UTM’s convention delegates interpret these endorsements as mere transactional alliances, they might question Dr. Kabambe’s commitment to the party’s core values. While the financial backing that Kabambe brings to his campaign may be enticing, UTM’s delegates and leaders must weigh this against the long-term consequences of selecting a leader whose endorsements may be secured through financial inducements rather than genuine support. This will come to haunt the UTM in the long run and especially as the party goes towards 2025 eelctions.

Money Buys Today’s Food, But Integrity Serves Future Generations

The recent wave of endorsements may provide Dr. Kabambe with a competitive edge, yet they carry implications beyond this convention. Malawi, like many other nations, grapples with systemic corruption and economic challenges, and the promise of short-term financial gain often comes at a high cost to future generations. While money can offer immediate relief, electing leaders who lack integrity jeopardizes Malawi’s progress. UTM’s delegates must ask themselves: is it worth prioritizing today’s gains over the potential for long-lasting change?

Voting for a candidate with integrity creates a foundation of trust and stability that benefits not only the present generation but also those to come. This choice goes beyond the present needs of the party and speaks to a vision of a just and equitable Malawi, where leaders are chosen based on their commitment to the public good rather than their financial power.

Choosing Integrity Over Financial Influence

As UTM members consider who to elect as the party’s leader, they must remember that the party’s reputation and legacy depend on selecting leaders who embody its values. Endorsements built on financial transactions and incentives rather than authentic support could set a dangerous precedent. Delegates should carefully assess each candidate’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and dedication to public service.

For UTM, choosing a leader with clean hands is imperative, especially considering that financial influence in endorsements could lead to future issues, including potential legal and ethical complications. As the delegates head to the convention, it is essential for them to focus on candidates’ values, vision, and past conduct rather than being swayed by the allure of financial backing.

I rest my case and I come in peace.