UDF’s Edna Yusuf is Mangochi Town Council Chair
Mangochi Town Council elected United Democratic Front (UDF) councillor, Edna Josi Yusuf, as Chairperson of the Council in a highly contested election against her fellow UDF councilor, Rashida Jawadu Kapichila.
In a house with seven UDF councilors, two Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councilors, one Independent councillor and two parliamentarians, the election ended in a tie twice with the contestants getting six votes apiece.
It was on the third attempt that Yusuf, councilor for Mangochi Central-Mwasa Ward, emerged winner with seven votes against Kapichira who pulled five votes.
Independent councilor for Mangochi Central-Kalumbu Ward, Kenneth Chimombo, was elected unopposed as Deputy Chairperson of the council.
In her acceptance speech, Yusuf said she was very happy with the election describing her victory as an indication that people were serious about empowering women in all sectors.
She said: “I’m very happy and I will work with my councilors and everyone at the council regardless of religious or political party affiliation.”
Chief Executive Officer for the Town Council, Fanny Msimuko, congratulated her new Chair and challenged her that it was the duty of the Chairperson of the Council to serve people with integrity.
“A Chairperson is supposed to act as a role model and have a vision to develop the town,” Msimuko told Yusuf.
Mangochi Town Council has 10 councilors; six male and four female
