By Isaac Salima:
Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) has declared that independent candidate Maxwell Phiri has won Chilewani Ward in Blantyre while Stewart Mwase of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) claimed Mwansa Ward in Mangochi following Tuesday’s Local Government by-elections.
Mec Chairperson Judge Annabel Mtalimanja Wednesday said Phiri, who competed against eight other candidates, got 1,882 votes while United Democratic Front (UDF)’s Anthony Steven finished second after getting 635 votes.
Reuben Lungu of opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) got 467 votes to end third while Ted Kaliati of newly formed People’s Development Party (PDP) claimed fourth position with 393 votes.
Mtalimanja said 10,424 voters registered, with 3,864 people turning up to vote.
The Mec chairperson said Mwase won the Mwansa Ward with 1,073 votes, seconded by Kida Adam of DPP, who got 494 votes.
M’Bwana Assamu of UDF finished third with 475 votes.
A total of 3,797 voters registered, with 2,140 turning up to vote.
Mtalimanja further said the commission received two written complaints from DPP and MCP prior to the elections.
“The Democratic Progressive Party submits a formal complaint against the Malawi Congress Party for conducting campaign activities after the official campaign period had ended in Mwansa Ward, Mangochi District. The official campaign period for the by-election in Mwansa Ward closed at 6am on Sunday, 21 July 2024.
“However, on Monday, 22 July 2024, the President of Malawi held public events in the ward, where MCP members, wearing party attire, participated and supported the President. This action is deemed a serious violation of electoral laws and the DPP seeks appropriate remedial actions against the MCP for this breach,” Mtalimanja said.
She, however, said inquiries indicated that public events were, indeed, conducted in Mangochi but were not held within the ward.
“The commission has also received a complaint from Hendex Mkanda, who is the Constituency Chairperson for the Malawi Congress party. In a written complaint, it has been alleged, on behalf of the Malawi Congress Party, that members of the Democratic Progressive Party were seen campaigning after the closure of the official campaign period. It has also been alleged the Democratic Progressive Party members were seen issuing handouts,” she said.
She said Mec found that MCP did not bring evidence to back its allegations.
In a related development, PDP president Kondwani Nankhumwa has, in a statement issued on July 24 2024, congratulated winners in the by-elections.
He has also hailed those who voted for the party’s candidates.
“We also want to express our deepest gratitude to all those who voted for PDP in both wards. Your support is invaluable, and it is unprecedented for a new party like ours to achieve the performance we have seen. This is a testament to the growing confidence and trust that Malawians have in our vision and mission.
“The PDP remains committed to working tirelessly in the run-up to next year’s general elections. We are determined to build on this momentum, address the concerns of citizens, and present a strong, united front for the future of Malawi,” Nankhumwa said.
He also lauded Mec for ensuring that the elections were “free and fair”.
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