Blantyre, Mzuzu to elect mayors today
Blantyre and Mzuzu city councils are today expected to hold mayoral elections. In the capital city Lilongwe, the elections were held on Thursday which saw a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate Desmond Bikoko winning the position of a mayor.
Sources within Blantyre City Council (BCC) indicate that incumbent mayor Noel Chalamnda is expected to be challenged by his deputy Wild Ndipo and councillors Alinane Chipwete and Louis Ngalande.
Random interviews The Nation conducted in the city indicated that citizens expect development initiatives to continue no matter the outcome of the elections.
BCC public relations manager Anthony Kasunda last week said they are set to ensure that the elections are free and fair by engaging the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
“This [the engagement of MEC] is one way of achieving free and fair results. Also, there is a lot of interest from various stakeholders to observe the elections. The council welcomes them,” he said.
Kasunda also said the council has also engaged the Malawi Police Service to maintain order during the polls.
In Mzuzu, mayor William Mkandawire of People’s Party is expected to be challenged by Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Yona Mkandawire while outgoing deputy mayor Frazer Chunga is also seeking re-election.
Others that have also shown interest in the deputy mayor position include Malawi Congress Party (MCP) councillor Alexander Mwakikunga and PP councillor Patrick Ng’oma.
“At the end of the day, our role is to serve the people of Mzuzu who put us in these positions. Just like you supported us, let us support those that will be the officer bearers,” said Chunga.
Mzuzu City Council chief executive officer McCloud Kadammanja said councillors that declared their interest stand a better chance in the elections.
He also warned aspirants against bribing voters, saying they risk losing their money as there will be a secret ballot.n
