MCP Councillor Esther Sagawa Elected New Mayor of Lilongwe City
Sagawa, representing Area 18 ward, secured the position with 21 votes, defeating Felix Tsokonombwe of Biwi ward who received 9 votes.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Lilongwe City Council has elected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Councillor Esther Sagawa as its new mayor, replacing Richard Banda who did not seek a second term, writes Martin Kamlaike.
Sagawa, representing Area 18 ward, secured the position with 21 votes, defeating Felix Tsokonombwe of Biwi ward who received 9 votes.
Sagawa previously served as deputy to the outgoing mayor.
In the deputy mayor race, Councillor Ruth Chingwalu of Mtandire ward emerged victorious with 16 votes, beating William Nguluwe of Tsabango 1 ward (11 votes) and Lynord Chakakala Chaziya of Chinsapo 2 ward (3 votes).
During her acceptance speech, Sagawa emphasized her commitment to addressing residents' concerns about safety and sanity in the city.
"My first priority is to work towards strategic plans that say we have a clean and green city, which is the vision and mission of the Lilongwe City Council," she stated.
The new mayor expressed her readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve the council's vision.
Outgoing mayor Richard Banda, who chose not to seek re-election, cited his accomplishments and his intention to focus on a potential parliamentary bid for the Mloza constituency.
Banda pledged support for Sagawa, noting their shared vision for the city.