..MCP wins 1, DPP lose both seats
The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has lost two local council seats in by-elections that show smaller parties- UDF and newly formed Peoples Development Party(PDP) making statements of intent.
The ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) scooped convincingly the Mwansa Ward in Mangochi when its candidate Stewart Mwase got 1073 against DPPs Kida Adam who amassed 494 votes.
UDF which has been on decline since losing power in 2005 emerged third with its candidate M’bwana Assamu getting 475 votes.
PDP debut in Mangochi saw them get 57 votes with Lynah Tedie as their candidate. Last on the list is Umodzi Party candidate Andalason Madi.
The DPP should be worried with PDP in Blantyre as the seat was won by independent Maxwell Phiri with 1882 while the UDFs Anthony Steven emerged second with 635 votes.
The former ruling party candidate Reuben Lungu was third with 467 votes followed by PDP candidate Ted Kaliati with 392 votes. Another independent candidate George Chiluma scooped 203 votes.
The ruling MCP is yet to find base in the district as its candidate Benard Nteche managed 142 votes while Leadership with Compassion Party Lucius Kasonya managed 54 votes. MRP candidate Mulira Junior got 40 votes and Umodzi Party Allan Chikomo amassed 17 votes.
The byelections are the last before next years general elections which will pit four parties-the MCP, UDF, DPP and PP- that have ruled Malawi in the past 60 years against each other. The parties failed to lift Malawi out of poverty which could explain voters turning to independent candidates and new parties.
