Mzuzu PP supporters ‘to vote for AFORD candidate’ in ward councillor by-election

In a slight protest against Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) suspension of Peoples Party’s (PP) candidate for Chibanja ward in Mzuzu, Blackson Gondwe, supporters have announced they will vote for Alliance for Democracy (Aford) candidate Gibson Chisale.

PP and Aford entered into electoral alliance during the last year’s elections.

MEC suspended Gondwe three days after receiving his nomination papers on grounds that he did not appear on the May 2014 tripartite elections voters roll.

But the development has been described as ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) “machination to frustrate Gondwe,” according to supporters.

“This is a deliberate move by government after realizing that our candidate had strong support in the ward and was definitely going to get a land slide victory,” PP Provincial Chairperson for the North Christopher Mzomera Ngwira told Nyasa Times in an interview.

Gondwe challenged the matter in court but eventually lost. He is currently on the run being pursued by the Malawi police.

PP regional treasurer in the North Joseph Njaliwa said they had all agreed to support Aford’s Chisale.

“We have all agreed to vote for the Aford candidate. We are mobilizing support and campaigning for him and we are sure he will carry the day,” said Njaliwa on Monday.

Our assessment show that there is going to be a neck to neck competition between Aford’s Chisale and main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate Charles Mlogera.