M’balaka wins in PP regional polls, Kamphale voted women’s director
Wild celebrations and uncontrollable singing nearly burst the walls of Motel Paradise in Blantyre on Friday when ruling People’s Party (PP) southern region provincial chairperson Ali M’balaka fend off stiff competition to retain his position during the party’s regional polls.
Mbalaka faced competition from four strong contestants who included Blantyre based business man Steve Mikaya and former lawmaker Peter Chupa.
However, at the end of day, delegates to the well organized and peaceful conference settled for Mbalaka who was interim governor for the region.
M’balaka got 396 votes out of 264 areas which contributed 2 representatives each.
Speaking soon after the results a visibly excited M’balaka told Nyasa Times he is grateful for the faith the PP delegates have shown in him by giving him a resounding victory.
“It was an epic battle but at the end of the day the party was looking for one winner and I happen to be the one,” he said.
“I will continue from where I stopped in working with area committees in all the districts under my jurisdiction in order to strengthen the party,” said M’balaka.
Other winners
Meanwhile, battle for other positions saw director of women for the region Irene Liabunya being demoted to deputy after her position was won by Jean Kamphale.
The delegates have also put their faith in flamboyant youth director Lemani Chapitapansi who also received overwhelming votes.
Other winners are Joseph Moyo who is new treasurer of the province. Levison Ngozo is organising secretary while Peter Chatsweka has been elected as campaign director.
It is the first time in almost a decade for a ruling party in the country to hold primaries to elect office bearers at regional level.
The ruling PP is preparing for an elective national conference to be held next month.
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