By-elections: MCP triumph in Mzuzu, UDF wins Mangochi and DPP gets Zomba, Thyolo

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has reclaimed seats in Luchenza in Thyolo and Zomba Central Wards in the Tuesday by-elections which also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) winning in Mzuzu and United Democratic Front (UDF) triumph in Mangochi.

Malawi Electoral Commission (EC) is yet to make formal announcement, but unofficial results which Nyasa Times has seen show that  UDF candidate for Mangochi Msikizi, Oliver Tayubu has won with 428 votes.

In Luchenza DPP’s Hendrex Alex Supuni has won. In Zomba, Elia Douglous of DPP also won.

In Mzuzu at Chibanja Ward, MCP candidate Charles Mlogera emerged victor with 486 votes.

Alliance for Democracy (Aford) candidate Gibson Chisale came second with 458 votes and DPP’s George Manda trailed third.

Much as it was generally regarded a “free and fair” undertaking, presiding officers of the three polling centres said “voter apathy was a concern.”

According to Dave Kumwenda of New Jerusalem polling centre, the turn was “abysmal.”

Over 6,000 voters were expected to cast their  for the six contestants battling it in Chibanja Ward including Gibson Chisale of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Esmie Jere of Umozi Party-UP, Ulaya Kaunda of (MAFUNDE), Gorge Manda of the Democratic Progressive Party-DPP, Charles Mlogera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Mike Phiri (Independent).

The by-elections in Mzuzu followed the death of Charles Nyirongo of the Peoples Party (PP). In Zomba, it was to replace Mayor Juliana Ntaja who died.

The polls were taking place in five wards of Khwawa in Karonga, Chiwanja in Mzuzu, Msikisi in Mangochi, Luchenza in Thyolo and Zomba Central Ward, MEC officials have said.