Mixed fortunes in Lilongwe North West vote: High turn out in Karonga

Voting is underway in the by-elections in Lilongwe North West  with mixed fortunes while there is voter high turn out in Karonga Central Constituencies.

Voting at Malembo in Lilongwe North East
Voting started on a high note in Karonga Central Constituency

In Lilongwe North West Constituency contenders for the seat are; Mphatso Boti of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Blessings Bokola candidate for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Njelengo Cristopher Nolex  for Mbakuwaku Movement for Democracy (MMD) and independent candidates Goodwell Ndiwo Banda, Bryson Majoni as well as Chimwemwe Kameta.

There were initially seven candidates but one independent candidate Deborah Mitawah withdrew from the race.

A survey of six centres showed mixed results as of ten o’clock morning with scores of people standing on queues to vote against a background of over seven thousand registered voters in these centres.

The centres surveyed included Malembo primary school, Sendwe, Pathungo, Mbandanga, Chazozoma and Kazumba.

The mixed fortunes in these centres have been attributed to the farming season but Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) remains optimistic of a higher turnout in the afternoon.

Speaking in an interview, MEC Commissioner Olivia Liwewe described the turnout as encouraging and urged people to maintain the peace.

“We have some substantial queues so it is a good start but hopefully we will see more people in the other afternoon coming to vote and as MEC we would also like to urge people to maintain the peace here so everything can proceed peaceful,” said Liwewe.

Polling centres will close at six o’clock evening, thereafter results will be counted at each station and then sent to the District Commissioner for the tallying of the total votes for the constituency.

The by-election is being held following the resignation of legislator for the area Lazarus Chakwera before his election as President of Malawi on June 23.

As early as 0530am, there were long queues at Mwenilondo, Lupembe, Lughali and Mlare Polling centres waiting for their turns to cast a vote.

According to National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust regional civic education officer Vincent Kalawa, the turn up is good and encouraging.

“We are impressed with the turn up,” Kalawa said.

Karonga Central constituents are expected to elect one candidate out of the five candidates.

The five candidates are; Leonard Mwalwanda of MCP, Ernest Mwalughali of DPP, UTM Party Frank Mwenifumbo, independent candidate MaryFlorence Nthakomwa and Mbakuwaku Movement for Development Nellie Sichali.

The independent candidate Nthakomwa has already cast her vote at 0630am while UTM Party candidate Frank Mwenifumbo voted at 0945a  at Mwenilondo polling centre.

About 16, 180 are expected to vote today to elect the august house representative in a closely contested election

Voting will close at 6pm this evening.

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True Witness
True Witness
4 years ago

This is genuine democracy, may the best candidate win!!

Zikomo Banda
Zikomo Banda
4 years ago

Thrash Chakwera in Karonga Central by voting UTM Mwenifumbo. Mwenifumbo will be a strong voice in parliament.

The Sniper
The Sniper
4 years ago
Reply to  Zikomo Banda

I thought you will mention DPP but voting for UTM is the same as voting for MCP are you not aware of their working together to destroying your DPP?

WaWa
WaWa
4 years ago

The only way to bring arrogant Chakwera to size and stop one party rule of MCP is to vote for UTM or DPP. Bring Chakwera and Mr & Mrs Mia down to size. In Karonga Central vote for the best and most effective Parliamentarian Frank T Mwenifumbo. Mwenifumbo is a man dedicated to welfare of all Malawians.

The Sniper
The Sniper
4 years ago
Reply to  WaWa

Its just that ignorant may not be repented but otherwise you are cursed to the core, Chakwera is the President of Malawi, your wish has flopped and the way i see it, it is your personal hate on him, voting for UTM and or as you have put to Mwenefumbo is just the same to vote for MCP as you know these two guys have already send your magogo ku Mangochi on a force leave.

Mswahili mambo
Mswahili mambo
4 years ago

Did the MCP candidate Mr Mwalwanda vote, tell us please if he has also voted, you have mentioned only a few, why leaving out our candidate ?

Giringo
Giringo
4 years ago
Reply to  Mswahili mambo

He did not vote. He initially registered in Lilongwe and there were no transfers during by-elections. He was therefore ineligible to vote.

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