DPP’s Ngalande takes on Chalamanda for Blantyre Mayorship: Council elections January

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Youth Director and Councilor for Misesa Ward in Blantyre, Louis Ngalande, has intensified his drive to unseat Mayor Noel Chalamanda when Blantyre City Council (BCC) holds elections next month.

Chalamanda, private practicing lawyer and independent councilor for Blantyre City Centre Ward, was elected as Mayor for Blantyre city on July 9, 2014 in an election that was partly disrupted by DPP supporters led by Ngalande, who opposed his nomination.

The DPP supporters and police engaged in a running battle as they demanded their leader Ngalande’s name be included on the list of the candidates vying for the position of mayor.

BCC Public Relations Manager, Anthony Kasunda confirmed of the planned elections but could not confirm of dates and names of those interested to contest.

“The elections are in January next year but dates are not yet set. Names of those interested to compete are not yet known, they will be revealed on the actual day of elections,” said Kasunda.

Ngalande is the only candidate currently known to be mounting a challenge against Chalamanda for the mayorship title.

Ngalande could not hide or dismiss his interest, saying “It’s not a matter of vying for the mayor position but a matter of interest.”

Currently it is not known if Chalamanda is going to stand again at the end of his first term in office as Mayor for Blantyre City.

During his tenure has been fighting to restore Blantyre city’s sanitation. Willad Ndipo has been his deputy.

People who spoke to Nyasa Times said Chalamanda has done very well in his tenure as Mayor and deserves a renewal of his mandate. But its the councillors who will determine in a vote.