Chigoneka-Mtsiriza Ward councillor Peter Alex Banda (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) has been elected Lilongwe City Council’s new mayor after defeating Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate William Khumbo Ngulube of Tsabango Ward in Lilongwe City South by 17 votes to six.
This means the council has regained its full decision-making capacity following the swearing-in of 23 councillors and the election of new office-bearers, ending months of limited operations at the country’s capital city authority.
During the swearing-in and elections held yesterday, Triza Silo of Chilinde Ward (MCP) was elected deputy mayor with 14 votes against nine for DPP’s Shaibu Luwemba of Kakule Ward.
Only 23 councillors voted as the 24th, Christopher Namakhwa, who also wanted to contest for the position of mayor, was absent and missed the swearing-in.
Lilongwe City chief executive officer McCloud Kadammanja described the elections as a milestone that restores the council’s legal and administrative authority to make critical policy and by-law decisions.
In his acceptance speech, Banda pledged to focus on urban renewal, service delivery and safety.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust my fellow councillors have placed in me. Together, we will build a clean, beautiful and safe city that future generations will be proud to call home,” the 31-year-old said.
Deputy mayor, Silo, echoed the sentiment, promising teamwork and inclusion.
Minister of State and DPP vice-president responsible for the Central Region Alfred Gangata, who witnessed the ceremony, hailed the outcome as a sign of political balance.
Meanwhile, National Advocacy Platform executive director Benedicto Kondowe has described the outcome as a unique opportunity for bipartisan collaboration in city governance.
