Chakwera endorsed as voting stretched

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) convention yesterday retained unopposed President Lazarus Chakwera as its leader for the next five years.

The endorsement in Lilongwe on the first day of the indaba, effectively made him torchbearer in next year’s General Elections.

However, voting for the other key positions, including that of first deputy president, secretary general, treasurer general and directors stretched late into the night.

As time ticked towards midnight, a sizeable number of the 1 400 delegates had  cast their vote while more were being called into the long queue.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Madalitso Kazombo is the other candidate that went unopposed as director of recruitment.

But the exhaustive process took a toll on some delegates who could be seen sleeping inside the room or dozed off outside.

“I am exhausted. This has been a long day,” said one of the delegates as he left the room.

President Chakwera left Bingu International Convention Centre, venue for the convention, at around 10.30 pm.

Voting is expected to continue today,  but for lesser positions such as deputy directors.