Umodzi Party, Malawi’s “Briefcase Party”, Elects Thomas Wezzie Kaumba as New Leader

Thomas Wezzie Kaumba has been elected as the new president of Malawi’s Umodzi Party (UP), winning 59 votes at the party’s convention in Blantyre.

Mary Piyasi trailed behind with 29 votes.

Kaumba’s victory comes as the party seeks to revitalize its fortunes following the departure of its founder and former leader, Professor John Chisi, who defected to the Malawi Congress Party in November last year.

In his acceptance speech, Kaumba pledged to work tirelessly to secure local government and parliamentary seats...