United Transformation Movement (UTM) has trashed rumours hovering on the social media indicating that the party has managed to field only 61 candidates out of 193, saying the reports are untrue.

On Tuesday the social media was awash with reports that UTM is only fielding 61 candidates in the forthcoming May 21, tripartite election.

The rumours made some concerned citizens to start doubting the newly formed party under Dr. Saulos Chilima who is also the country’s Vice President.

But UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati quashed the claims, saying the party is fielding candidates in all constituencies.

“We have received several questions regarding news that UTM has managed to field only 61 candidates out of 193.

“We strongly condemn such negative reporting and we also would like to inform the general public that UTM has its representatives in all 193 constituencies in the country,” wrote Kaliati.

“UTM is a National Party, the rumours circulating around social media is just cheap propaganda propagated by enemies of UTM.

She added: “Let me advise the general public to disregard the article from our opponents, UTM will feature its candidates in all the 193 constituencies.”

Malawi will hold its second tripartite polls in May 21, 2019.