The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the official results of Tuesday’s Mzimba Central and Mzimba South West constituencies’ by-elections, bemoaning poor participation of women in the polls.
In her announcement at the Mzimba boma in northern Malawi on Wednesday, EC chairperson Justice Anastasia Msosa declared independent candidate Joseph Mabvuto Kachali winner in Mzimba Central with 9 412 votes and People’s Party candidate, Raymond Chatima Nkhata, winner in Mzimba South West with 9 654 votes.
But Msosa said while she was encouraged that 80 percent of voters were women, having visited over 20 centres where polling was being held, she was concerned with poor showing of female candidates in the polls.The only female candidate was Enita Njolwa of Alliance for Democracy (Aford), who contested in Mzimba Central constituency.
“Of the 10 contestants, only one was a lady. What happened to the 50-50 campaign! Political parties and all stakeholders have a responsibility to create a platform where women can be encouraged to contest in elections.
“Should we have another by-election (God forbid)! I would like to see political parties sponsoring women to contest,†she said.
Msosa also declared the following results of the by-elections which have seen the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party performing poorly:-
Mzimba Central constituency
—Aram Mdala Wedson Beza, People’s Party, (8 154 votes)
—Joseph Mabvuto Kachali, independent, (9 412 votes)
—Owen Mkandawire, Democratic Progressive Party (2 313 votes)
—Dennis Kandodo Mvula, independent, (55 votes)
—Bonfancio Ngulube, New Rainbow Coalition, (18 votes)
—Enita W Njolwa, Alliance for Democracy, (341 votes)
Mzimba Southwest constituency
—Lonard Chavula, DPP, (3 210 votes)
—Baxter Mazunda, independent, (219 votes)
—Raymond Chatima Nkhata, PP, (9 654 votes)
—James Nthara, independent, (4 636 votes)
Msosa congratulated the winners and challenged the losers to accept defeat in a dignified manner, saying it is democracy that has won.
She also commended the contestants for conducting a peaceful campaign which did not degenerate into blood shedding.
Mzimba Central fell vacant after the death of Professor Donton Mkandawire while in Mzimba South West, the MP of the area, Khumbo Kachali, was appointed Vice-President.
Click here to read full speech by MEC Chairperson, Justice Dr. Anastasia Msosa
