Politics reign over Zomba market elections: Mayor calls for postponement

Elections to put in place new office bearers for Zomba Central Market committee were deferred to another date Friday as contestants failed to agree on the voting procedure.

There has been an intensive campaign by the five contestants for the past few weeks. They are the outgoing chairperson Ayatu Chidothi who aligns himself with People’s Party (PP), a Mr Robben of United Democratic Front (UDF), Mr Chikhaula commonly known as Anzanani, a Mr Nakhwala and S Denja who are for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The elections were scheduled for the Zomba Central Market where vendors were ready to exercise their right to vote. There was a heated debate when the procedure for the voters to stand behind their preferred candidate was turned down opting for a secret ballot.

However, the elections were deferred to another date yet to be announced after Zomba City Mayor, councillor Joana Ntaja called the commitee managing the elections to postpone the whole process, saying she wants to be available.

“This is not on. DPP knows that their candidates will not win the election so they want a secret ballot which we are not comfortable with. From the look of things, this show is for PP and UDF. The Mayor [Joana Ntaja] wants a DPP candidate to win since she also belongs to the ruling party,” fumed one of the vendors in the market.

It is yet to be seen whether the voting procedure will be a secret ballot or not when the City Mayor returns from other duties.

Meanwhile, Zomba Flea Market went ahead to elect their committee where former chairperson Joseph Zuze did not contest.

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