Tag Archives: Lilian Patel

Politics

UDF Sets Date For National Convention, Aims To Increase Youth And Female Participation

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has announced that it will hold its national convention from October 2 to 3, 2023, to elect new leaders and set the party’s direction for the future.

Speaking at a press conference in Blantyre, UDF’s Senior Executive member Aisha Mambo, said the party is committed to increasing the participation of youth and women in its ranks.

Mambo emphasized that the party recognizes the importance of young people and women in shaping its future and is taking deliberate steps to ensure their voices are heard.

“We want to see more young people and women taking up leadership positions within the party,” she said.

The convention comes at a time when the party is being led by interim president Lilian Patel, who took over after the departure of former president Atupele Muluzi.

Patel has been instrumental in stabilizing the party and preparing it for the convention.

UDF’s national convention is expected to attract hundreds of delegates from across the country, who will gather to elect new leaders, adopt a new constitution, and set the party’s policy direction.

The party has promised to ensure that the convention is transparent, democratic, and inclusive.

In addition to increasing youth and female participation, the party has also emphasized the need to strengthen its grassroots structures and improve its electoral performance.

UDF has been working to rebuild its support base and regain its position as a major player in Malawian politics.

The convention will also provide an opportunity for the party to reflect on its past performance and chart a new course for the future.

Delegates will engage in robust discussions on various issues, including the party’s ideology, leadership, and strategy.

UDF’s national convention is a significant event in Malawi’s political calendar, and its outcome will have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape.

As the party prepares for the convention, all eyes are on UDF to see how it will navigate the challenges ahead and emerge stronger and more united.

Opinion, Politics

Lilian Patel: A political trailblazer steps down, leaving her mark on Malawian politics

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a surprising turn of events, Malawian politician Lilian Patel has announced her retirement from politics, declaring that she will not seek any position in the upcoming United Democratic Front (UDF) elective meeting scheduled for July this year. Patel, who has been a prominent figure in Malawian politics for decades, leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service.

Throughout her long and illustrious career, Lilian Patel has been a tireless advocate for the people of Malawi.

Her journey in politics began in the early 1990s when she joined the UDF, a party that played a crucial role in the country’s transition to multiparty democracy.

Patel quickly rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of both colleagues and constituents.

One of Patel’s defining features was her unwavering commitment to grassroots development.

She understood the importance of addressing the needs of ordinary citizens and worked tirelessly to improve their lives.

As a member of parliament, she championed various initiatives aimed at enhancing access to education, healthcare, and clean water in rural communities.

Her efforts earned her widespread popularity and cemented her reputation as a politician committed to making a difference.

Beyond her local contributions, Lilian Patel also played an active role on the international stage.

She represented Malawi at regional and global forums, advocating for sustainable development, gender equality, and human rights.

Patel’s diplomatic skills and ability to build relationships with foreign counterparts were instrumental in promoting Malawi’s interests and garnering support for key initiatives.

However, despite her many achievements, Patel has decided that it is time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders within the UDF.

In a candid interview with Maravi Post she expressed her belief that fresh perspectives and ideas are essential to drive the party forward and address the evolving challenges facing Malawi.

Lilian Patel not wanted to lead UDF

“It is time to Passover the party responsibility to the young generation who will drive it to another level and age has caught up with me,” said Patel.

Patel’step down demonstrates her selflessness and commitment to the greater good, putting the interests of the nation above personal ambition.

As news of Lilian Patel’s retirement spreads, tributes pour in from across the political spectrum.

Fellow politicians, constituents, and party members all acknowledge her immense contributions and express their gratitude for her service.

Many credit her with inspiring a new generation of women to enter politics and break through gender barriers.

Looking ahead, Lilian Patel plans to focus on philanthropic endeavors aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged communities in Malawi.

Her dedication to public service will undoubtedly continue to make a lasting impact on the country even outside the political arena.

As we bid farewell to Lilian Patel’s remarkable political career, it is clear that her legacy will endure.

Her tireless advocacy for the people of Malawi, her commitment to grassroots development, and her diplomatic achievements on the international stage have left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.

Lilian Patel’s retirement serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicated public servants who work tirelessly for the betterment of their nation.

Malawi owes a debt of gratitude to this extraordinary politician whose efforts will be felt for generations to come.

Malawi, Politics

UDF ends electoral romance with DPP

Maravi Post Reporter


By Mayamiko Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) national executive committee extra ordinary meeting held in Blantyre on Friday, June 3, 2022 endorsed Lilian Patel as Party’s President.

Until national convention is held in the near future to choose a new leader, the seat fell vacant following the stepping down of Atupele Muluzi some days back.

UDF ends relationship with DPP

Addressing the news conference in Blantyre, Lilian Patel stated that the party’s executive committee convened a meeting to fill the vacant position in accordance with the Party’s Constitution which states that whenever the office of the president fell vacant, the NEC should meet within seven days to choose a new leader.

She further pointed that U.DF party as of now will stand alone, urging that the electoral alliance with Democratic progressive Party (DPP) was just for the 2020 Presidential elections.

Patel taking UDF lead

Patel also indicated that as a party they will ponder the possibility of entering into an electoral alliance with other party’s or not in the near future.

As the Party’s focus now is to rebuild the party from grassroot level,in order to reclaim the lost old glory.

Also presence at the press briefing were second deputy speaker of parliament Aisha Mambo Adams, vice president for the northern region Victoria Mponela vice president for the central region Mike Antony and regional governor’s for the south, north, central and Eastern regions respectively.

Also in presence were youth wing president Peter Sambo, secretary general Kandi Padambo, publicity secretary Dr Yusuf Mwawa among some.

Politics

UDF’s southern region leadership trashes Patel’s appointment

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-United Democratic Front (UDF) members in the southern region have disapproved the appointment of Lilian Patel as the party’s acting President claiming that the person who has resigned can not have powers to appoint his own successor.

Lilian Patel not wanted to lead UDF

This comes barely days after Muluzi who stepped down from the party’s Presidential post appointed Patel to be the acting President.

In a letter addressed to the party’s General Secretary Kandi Padambo, the members clear it out that appointment of acting successor is enshrined in the party’s Constitution and that a National Governing Council of the Party is the one responsible for determining appointment of successors in every vacant positions.

“The appointment of Hon. Patel as acting President of UDF by her predecessor, Honourable Atupele Muluzi is unconstitutional.

“We are not against Hon.Patel, but we are against the manner Hon.Patel has been appointed,” reads part of the letter.

Meanwhile, the members have called on an emergency National Governing Council meeting to decide on the Acting Presidency.

But in his comment with the press on Monday May 30, 2022, the party’s spokesperson Yusuf Mwawa said the letter which the members have issued can not be taken seriously because it has no signature and bears no name.