PP declares Nyirenda winner in MZ Solola

People’s Party (PP) has ended the uncertainty in Mzimba Solola Constituency, by declaring that Suzgolane Kazomba Nyirenda beat sitting member of Parliament (MP) Ackim Mwanza in primary polls whose results were withheld for two weeks due to complaints of widespread irregularities.

The announcement by PP treasurer general Harry Mkandawire, who was in charge of the primaries in the North, marks the beginning of the end of disputes that arose when the party was identifying its parliamentary candidates for the May 20 polls. The May 20 polls will see Malawians choose a president, MPs and councillors.

However, it is no end of deputy party spokesperson Ken Msonda’s appeal against Malawi Democratic Party (MDP) founding leader Kamlepo Kalua in Rumphi East.

According to Mkandawire, the national executive has yet to come up with verdict on the stand-off in Rumphi.

“The party sat down to deliberate on allegations that some fake ballot papers and blank sheets were found in some boxes in some centres. In the final analysis, Mwanza was disqualified and Nyirenda was declared a winner, meaning he will be our candidate come May 20 polls,” said Mkandawire in an interview yesterday.

In a separate interview, Nyirenda said he was happy with the determination, explaining: “In Mzimba Solola, I won genuinely and people were surprised how Mwanza was leading while they didn’t vote for him.”

Mwanza kept postponing the time for the interview when we sought his side of the story.

The Msonda vs Kalua face-off in Rumphi “may take as long as it can” because it is different from the one just resolved, said Mkandawire.

On Monday, PP took the search for candidates to the Northern Region with party secretary general Paul Maulidi declaring the Northern Region run smooth save for two centres, Mzimba Solola and Rumphi North.

Mkandawire said the flurry of constituencies which have officially launched grievances also include Rumphi North and Rumphi East.

Meanwhile, newly appointed provincial chairperson, Reverend Christopher Ngwira has announced that reruns in Karonga Central where deputy secretary general Frank Mwenifumbo accepted defeat to Deputy Finance Minister Cornelius Mwalwanda on December 21 as well as Nkhata Bay North West where Dickens Tchuwa was named a winner will take place on Saturday and Sunday respectively.