Tikonze Peoples Movement (TPM) President Dr. Cassim Chilumpha has given up effort to contest as Presidential candidate in the forthcoming May 21 tripartite election.

On Thursday last week, the High Court blocked the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from recognising Chilumpha as TPM candidate in the forthcoming polls.

The court ruled that Chilumpha’s nomination papers had irregularities as he was not sanctioned by the party to represent it.

But Chilumpha was not pleased with the ruling, challenging that he will appeal the case to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

In a twist of events, Chilumpha has given up the Presidential bid.

“It is with great sorrow that I announce that I have decided to give up on the presidential bid following my disqualification by the High Court.

“This is the case considering time frame and availability of resources,” wrote Chilumpha.

The development means the number of Presidential candidates competing for the high office has dropped to 7.

Meanwhile three political parties namely; Malawi Congress Party (MCP) of Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, United Transformation Movement (UTM) of Dr. Saulos Chilima and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika are favoured to win.