Former UTM Party Secretary General Patricia Kaliati has sparked controversy by blaming the late Saulos Chilima for her loss in the UTM party presidential elections. Kaliati, who was competing for the top spot, garnered a mere 20 votes, while her opponent, Dalitso Kabambe, secured an overwhelming 600 votes. In a voice clip circulating on social media, Kaliati is heard blaming Chilima’s spirit for her defeat. “How could Saulos allow me to lose the elections?” she lamented. Many have expressed surprise at Kaliati’s remarks, finding it unusual for the living to blame the dead. Kaliati’s comments have raised eyebrows, especially considering her previous stance as UTM Party Secretary General. In the past, she has spoken optimistically about the party’s prospects, even predicting that UTM would rake in more votes during the 2025 elections.

Households could face double-digit council tax hikes to fund services when current freeze on bills ends in springA woman has been injured after falling into a hole caused by an explosion at an Australian tourism hotspot. or signup to continue reading Queensland Ambulance said a woman in her 20s fell into a hole created by an explosion in a manhole on Cavill Avenue at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast around 5pm on Sunday. The woman was pulled from the hole by bystanders before paramedics arrived to take her to Gold Coast University Hospital with minor injuries. The explosion sparked an exclusion zone, with Queensland Police asking people to avoid Cavill Avenue, Elkhorn Ave, The Esplanade, and Surfers Paradise Boulevard. "Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors until further notice," police said around 6pm on Sunday. Online video revealed the manhole acting like a trap door during an initial explosion when the women fell in before a second explosion shortly after. A couple who was having dinner when the explosion rocked the tourist strip said they weren't allowed home for hours. "We were sitting in a restaurant ... and we heard a small explosion," Beck and Dave Morrison told the Nine Network. "We just ordered dinner and then we heard another really loud explosion. "Then the police cars and the fire trucks were here and we were told to evacuate immediately." Five fire crews responded to the incident, monitoring the scene and doing readings for gas in the area. The cause of the explosion has not yet been identified. The exclusion zone was revoked around 8pm as police continued to investigate the incident. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement