MEC Approves 21 Candidates for Karonga Ward By-Elections
The by-elections come amid concerns over low female representation in local governance structures across the country.
KARONGA, Malawi - The Malawi Electoral Commission has approved 21 candidates to contest in the Karonga wards by-elections scheduled for March 26, with only two females making the list, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Sangwani Mwafulirwa, MEC's director of media and public relations, disclosed Tuesday that the electoral body will hold by-elections in three wards in the district.
In Kaporo Ward in Karonga North Constituency, there are six male candidates from various political parties - Martin Nkhonje of AFORD, Laston Mwenetete of DPP, King Ngayambimba Mvula for MCP, Charles Blessings Mwakabagha of NDP, Saidi Mwandwan of UTM, and independent candidate Thumbiko Edu Kaonga.
Chilanga Ward in Karonga North-West Constituency has eight candidates, six from political parties - Teddy Jailos Kishombe of AFORD, Hastings Daniel Mwambafule of DPP, Alick Ng'oma for MCP, Abraham Sahara Mwanjasi of NDP, Talente Kalambo Mwantalula of UP, Ndaziona Mwauseghi of UTM - and two independents, Hesco Mwashonge and Benedicto Mwamsamali Zuze.
In Rukuru Ward, Karonga North-West Constituency, two of the seven candidates are female - Mayness Mwalweni of AFORD and Monica Kaira of UP. The other candidates are Dominic Rabson Kamwambi for DPP, Gift Kumbukani Mwale of MCP, Vincent Mwenembaki Mwamukonde of NDP, George Glad Mwausengha for UTM, and independent Paul Mwamande.
The by-elections come amid concerns over low female representation in local governance structures across the country.