UDF’s Chiwaya floors PP’s Wakuda for 2nd deputy speaker
United Democratic Front (UDF) Mangochi Central MP, Dr Clement Chiwaya on Monday defeated People’s Party (PP) Kasungu North East MP Wakuda Kamanga for the position of second deputy speaker of parliament in a secret ballot.
The election was president by newly elected Speaker, Richard Msowoya, who declared Chiwaya dully elected with 147 votes against 36.
It was a landslide victory which was celebrated by among others governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Before the election, DPP’s director of women Patricia Kaliati made a passionate call for members to elect Chiwaya, a former minister of persons with disabilities, as opposed to Wakuda.
Kaliati was supported by Nkhatabay DPP lawmaker Grace ‘Obama’ Chiumia.
But PP vice president Uladi Mussa stood “on a point of order” saying nominations should not attract debate or canvassing. He called for a vote.
Wakuda, former President Joyce Banda’s advisor, was nominated by PP’s MP Ralph Jooma and touted by PP vice president Harry Mkandawire as was most successful secretary general to have served DPP before changing parties.
Campaigning from his wheelchair Chiwaya was elected MP for the third term.
Nsanje North MP Esther Mcheka Chilenje Nkhoma was elected unopposed as first deputy speaker, a seat she held between 2004 and 2009.
While new Speaker Msowoya, legislator for Karonga Nyungwe, floored ruling DPP’s Francis Kasaila with 101 votes. The latter got 89 votes.
