A spot check into Thursday's much publicised UTM's national primary elections shows that the polls have been marred by poor organisation and to a large extent, a low turn out of both delegates and contestants. In Mzuzu Central constituency for example, the polls were delayed for hours on end as owner of the venue barred the party from using his premises.

Government says implementation of different development projects in the country is a springboard for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to retain power in the upcoming elections.

Member of  Parliament for Mzimba North Agness NyaLonje  has withdrawn from participating in the UTM primary elections which are slated for January 3, 2019  across the Country.

Some human rights organizations have condemned remarks made by a senior member of UTM George Saonda that Muslims and Christians cannot work together.