By Burnett Munthali
Abel Kayembe has emerged victorious in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary elections held in the Mndolera area of Dowa District.
His closest contender, Allan Katsabola Tsoka, secured a total of 117 votes.
Another contestant, Judith Lewa, managed to collect 56 votes.
In the elections for ward councillors, Sam Kanyimphula emerged victorious in the eastern part of Mndolera constituency, where he amassed 427 votes.
Meanwhile, Connex Kamphinda won in the western part of Mndolera with 346 votes.
There were 12 votes that were declared invalid due to errors during the voting process.
A total of more than 1,440 people from 150 different areas participated in the elections.
The elections were conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, with no reports of violence or irregularities.
The results are a strong indication of the democratic process within the MCP, which continues to solidify its internal structures through competitive and transparent primaries.
Abel Kayembe’s victory sets the stage for his candidacy under the MCP banner in the upcoming general elections, where he will represent the party in Mndolera Constituency.
His supporters have expressed excitement and confidence in his ability to bring development to the area, citing his past leadership experience and close ties to the local communities.
The party’s ability to attract a high voter turnout, even during internal elections, underscores the level of political engagement and enthusiasm among MCP members in the region.
Observers from the party and civil society organizations praised the electoral process for being well-coordinated and reflective of the party’s commitment to democratic principles.
The peaceful environment throughout the election also demonstrated the maturity and discipline of both voters and candidates, as well as the professionalism of the electoral officials.
With the primaries concluded, the MCP in Mndolera will now shift focus to preparing for the national campaign, where party unity and grassroots mobilization will be crucial.
Abel Kayembe’s nomination is expected to boost the MCP’s presence in Dowa, a district regarded as one of the party’s strongholds in central Malawi.
Political analysts view the outcome as a strategic win for the MCP, especially as it positions itself to consolidate support ahead of the national elections.
The successful completion of the primaries without any disputes or violence is likely to serve as a model for other constituencies as the party continues to conduct its internal elections.
For the people of Mndolera, the election was not just about selecting a candidate, but also a reaffirmation of their voice in shaping the leadership that will represent their interests.
As Abel Kayembe celebrates his primary victory, the real campaign begins, with expectations high for his vision, plans, and ability to deliver tangible development outcomes for Mndolera Constituency.
