MCP hails peaceful primary election

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) National Executive Committee member Lymon Zimpondo has expressed satisfaction with the primary election conducted on Wednesday in Dedza District.

The election was organised to identify a candidate to represent the party in the parliamentary by-election this month in Dedza Central Constituency following the death of Daniel Chiwere in July this year.

Zimpondo, who represented MCP director of elections Elias Chakwera, said he was pleased that the primary election was peaceful, fair and without complaints.

“We all came here as MCP supporters and we all want our party to win again in the upcoming elections. I urge the other contestants to support the winner so that we should have a strong party,” he said.

During the election, Willard Gwengwe, brother to Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Sosten Gwengwe, emerged winner.

The former Lilongwe South East legislator amassed 508 votes against Donald Kazanga who got 241 votes and Jacob Kapindula who polled 192 votes.

Other contestants such as Kenneth Chiwere got 92 votes, Themuka Mkhwewu, received 86, Phuma Tanyaze got 79, Abada Hassan polled 26, Esau Kambewa Chisale received 10, Sipiwe Kabambe got nine and Moses Kalichero received seven.

In an interview following his victory, Gwengwe said if elected, his main focus will be to develop his constituency in education, agriculture and infrastructure.

He said: “Let me thank the people of Dedza Central Constituency and MCP for trusting me to be their torchbearer during the September parliamentary by-elections.

“If voted into power, I will concentrate on completing various development projects that were started by my predecessor.”