UTM party has withdrawn from contesting in the by- election that Malawi Electoral Commission- MEC intends to hold in some constituencies of Lilongwe and Kasungu districts in November this year.

According to a statement that has been signed by UTM’s spokesperson, Joseph Chidanti Malunga the decision follows the party’s loss of trust in MEC Chairperson Justice Dr. Jane Ansah.

Malunga says Ansah’s conduct during the May 21 elections is still questionable hence she cannot be entrusted to preside over another election.

Reads part of the statement: the nation will note that UTM continues to call into question the credibility of the May 21, 2019 tripartite general elections and is in fact disputing the presidential election result in the constitutional court.

The nation will further recall that UTM has consistently called for the resignation of the chairperson for the electoral commission and her fellow commissioners on account of its belief that they presided over an election that was acutely wanting in credibility.

“UTM has not changed its view on the matter. It is the party’s view therefore that the commission in its current composition does not have the legitimacy and competence to manage elections, the outcomes of which is going to command acceptability to all sections of the society,” the statement said.

However, Malunga said their party will continue to insist the chairperson of the commission and other commissioners to resign their appointments.