MCP upbeat of Mzuzu councilor by-elections

Main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has said it is now “sure” it will win the August 25 ward councilor by-elections, saying the party’s vision and stable structures are making other parties “fiercely afraid” of it.

Shadow councillor for Chibanja ward, Charles Mlogera, told Nyasa Times in an interview that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Alliance for Democracy (Aford), Umodzi Party (UP) and Mafunde – all taking part in the elections – “are afraid of the country’s oldest party.”

Said Mlogera: “I have received all sorts of castigations for no reason because they are afraid of me and MCP.

“We are emerging victors in these by-elections. And this will also be a litmus test to show the Malawi nation that come 2019, MCP is getting back into government.”

Mlogera, a public health specialist, said he was passionate about making Chibanja award and the entire Mzuzu City “a place to be.”

The contestant told Nyasa Times that he was a “development conscious personality.”

He is also engaged in distribution of free medicines through community based health centres which he has helped found in the ward.

“The initiative is helping in easing the pain poor people have to go through to access health care at Mzuzu Central Hospital currently pegged at K1 500,” said Mulogera.

Chibanja ward was formerly for Charles Nyirongo of People’s Party (PP) who was killed over an “extra marital affair.”

MCP president Lazarus Chakwera and Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya have been in Mzuzu this week to support Mlogera’s bid.