One of the individuals seeking to contest for the position of first deputy president of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Rahim Elias, has filed an appeal to the party for disqualifying him from contesting for this position, stating that he has not been a party member for five years.

Elias is one of four individuals that the party has rejected from contesting, citing failure to meet the required criteria.

In a letter sent through his legal representatives, Elias argues that there is no evidence proving he is not a party member. He claims to have previously paid membership fees to the party and has also contested for a council seat in the Chigoneka Ward.

Elias has requested the party to release a document confirming that all individuals allowed to contest various positions have been paying their party membership fees for the past five years.

The UDF party is set to hold its convention tomorrow in the city of Blantyre.