DPP retains seat

Malawi ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has stuck to the number of its legislators in Parliament after the party’s candidate emerged winner in Zomba Chisi constituency in by-elections held on Tuesday.

DPP candidate, Mark Michael Botomani, was declared winner after amassing 3,019 votes

There were also wins for opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the by-elections as its candidate Auleriano Kalemba emerged winner in Mtope Ward in Mchinji with 2,444 votes while another MCP candidate, Master Rodgers Chazama, became the councillor for Ngala Ward in Lilongwe after amassing 1,381 votes.

However, the elections were marred by issues of voter apathy as there was a low turnout. In Mtope Ward in Mchinji, for example, only 17.29 percent of registered voters turned out to vote and from the few votes that were cast, 54 were null and void representing 1.18 percent.

The turnout was also less satisfactory in Ngala Ward where 13.88 percent of registered voters turned out and in Zomba Chisi constituency where only 36.56 percent of registered voters decided to cast their votes.

MEC conducted the elections after the deaths of Peter Chizalo Mangulenje in Zomba Chisi constituency and of Ward councillor John Msumatiza in Mtope Ward in Mchinji district.

However, the elections in Ngala Ward in Lilongwe Msozi North constituency were conducted after councillor Misheck Khomba resigned. MEC said it was the first time a by-election was conducted due to a resignation.

*Additional reporting by Luke Bisani