Atupele endorses candidates

UDF presumptive presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi on Friday presented certificates to shadow MPs and councillors from the Southern Region.

Atupele, presenting the certificates in Blantyre, said UDF was determined to form the next government and called upon party members to be united to put up a vibrant campaign.

Taking questions from journalists, Atupele said UDF decided to go it alone in the May polls because the party is confident of carrying the day.

Atupele said: “You don’t have to form an alliance for the sake of it. As UDF, we have policies we want to implement. There are post-election alliances that can be formed if that need arises. But as UDF, we have confidence in ourselves that we will win these elections alone.”

Atupele, just like the opposition DPP presidential candidate Peter Mutharika, also announced that he has quit his parliamentary position to respect Section 80 (7) (e) of the Constitution.

The section states that no person shall be eligible for nomination as a candidate for election as President or First Vice-President or for appointment as First Vice-President or Second Vice-President if that person is the holder of a public office or a member of Parliament, unless that person first resigns.

Atupele, who a couple of days ago announced that his running mate is Dr Godfrey Chapola, confirmed that he will foot nomination fees for the party’s parliamentary and local council candidates. The total cost is estimated at K45 million (US$107 655).

Male parliamentary candidates are paying K200 000 (US$478), female candidates are coughing K150 000 (US$359) whereas male and female councillor candidates are parting with K20 000 and K15 000 (US$36) respectively.

UDF is represented in all the 193 constituencies as well as in all the 475 wards for Local Government Election.

Atupele is expected to preside over a similar function in the Eastern Region this Sunday.

Candidates in the Central Region received their certificates last Wednesday.