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Matumula quits UTM

Former Mangochi South legislator Yusuf  Matumula yesterday resigned from UTM Party a few months after joining it.

In a brief letter addressed to UTM Party secretary general (SG) Patricia Kaliati, which we have seen, Matumula says he has resigned with immediate effect “ because it is not possible to fit in well”. He says he also consulted chiefs in his constituency on his decision.

Matumula: I have consulted my chiefs

Reads the letter in part: “I have noted with regret that it is not possible to fit in well and be treated as one of your members beyond my expectation. Therefore, I have consulted my members and chiefs in my constituency and have resolved that I tender my resignation with immediate effect as a member.”

When contacted yesterday, Kaliati said she had not yet received the letter from Matumula and asked for time to contact him to verify the resignation.

The SG later said she had talked to Matumula and he confirmed to have resigned.

Kaliati then said some people join the party looking for favours which the party cannot give, adding as leaders they are elected in the areas where they come from.

She said: “As UTM, we cannot choose a leader for people in any area. Most people were coming to UTM to be elected unopposed. That’s not what we believe in,” she said without directly referring to Matumula’s resignation.

Kaliati said the party respects Matumula’s decision.

Yesterday, UTM Party held primary elections which the party had initially announced would be conducted simultaneously in all 193 constituencies and 452 wards nationwide.

But the primaries were marred by several hitches and in some districts such as Salima, Likoma and Mchinji they were postponed. n

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