Malawi: Kondwani Brian Nyasulu was elected a new mayor for Mzuzu City on Wednesday, He succeeded and defeated the incumbent mayor of the Mzuzu City, Gift Desire Nyirenda.
The new Mayor of Mzuzu is Councilor for Songwe Ward in Mzuzu City. He is also the member of the United Transformation Movement (UTM),
Nyasulu secures 9 votes out of 16 votes that were cast in the elections. while, Nyirenda got 7 votes. The voting process took place in the Mzuzu City Council Chamber.
Councilor for Katawa Ward, Monica Simwaka has been appointed as the Deputy Mayor of Mzuzu. The appointment was historic as she is the first female deputy mayor of the city.
She secured 10 votes in her favor from the voters in the local elections. She was contesting against councilors Tony Mwenitete of Mzilawaingwe Ward and Hiwett Mkandawire of Chiputula ward.
Both the ward councillors received three votes each.
There was however commotion before the election procedure could begin. Allegedly, Councillor Pellie Chiumia questioned why Councilor Gift Desire Nyirenda was competing for the mayorship position despite having a pending court case.
However, after discussions amongst officials from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the council, Assistant Registrar for Mzuzu High Court, Matthews Msiska who explained that Nyirenda was fit to stand as the court was yet to declare him guilty.
In his acceptance speech, Nyasulu pledged to use his position to uplift the city, saying he was going to be the mayor of the people.
“I thank my fellow councillors for believing in me and I will ensure that the implementation of the Mzuzu Development Urban Plan comes to life.
We need to carry on the Tonse Alliance plan at the city level so that it matches that which our government is advocating for,” said Nyasulu.
He said among others plans is to woe investors into the city to enhance the city’s growth and development.
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer for Mzuzu City Council, Gomezgani Nyasulu said the council will render all the necessary support to the new mayor in the execution of his duties.
“As secretariat, we are happy that the elections have gone on smoothly and we will support our new mayor to see to it that the plans we have as a council are fulfilled.
Furthermore, having the first female deputy mayor is a positive development for the council. This is because, it means that we are achieving the 50:50 gender representation in senior positions,” said Nyasulu.
Deputy Mayor Simwaka also delivered brief remarks after the elections. She said she was excited to be the first female deputy mayor of Mzuzu
She pledged to work hard in rendering support to the mayor as they drive the cities development agenda together.