At least 158 candidates have submitted their nomination papers to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to contest in both parliamentary and local government elections in Mzimba South.
Mzimba South District MEC elections officer Crispine Chakhumbila said 49 candidates are vying for parliamentary seats in the district’s seven constituencies, namely Mzimba Perekezi, Solola, Hora, South, South East, South West and Luwerezi.
He said the remaining 109 candidates are contesting in local government elections in 14 wards in the seven constituencies.
Said Chakhumbila: “Of the 49 parliamentary candidates, five are females running in Mzimba Hora, South, South West and Luwerezi constituencies. Mzimba Hora has also one male contestant with disability.
“Out of the 109 candidates for local government elections, 14 are females, including one with disability contesting in Khosolo South Ward in Mzimba South East constituency.”
He said they expect all candidates to deliver a peaceful and issue-based campaign.
Mzimba district gender officer Naomi Mwale has since expressed concern with the low number of female candidates.
Speaking after submitting his nomination papers, Democratic Progressive Party candidate for Perekezi Constituency Humphrey Munthali pledged to prioritise road infrastructure development.
On her part, Enita Chima, who submitted papers for Manyamula Ward in Mzimba Solola Constituency under UTM ticket, said she will initiate programmes that uplift women, youth, the elderly and those with disabilities in her area.
