Tag Archives: Karonga Central Constituency

Politics

Road to September 16: Over 200 dump MCP for UTM in Karonga Central

MaraviPost

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-More than 200 people at Mbande in Karonga Central Constituency on Thursday, April 3, 2025 dumped the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) for the opposition UTM party, saying the latter promises an industrious future for them.

Speaking at a function held at Mbande Primary School, where Kaitano Simwaka was introduced as UTM torchbearer for the constituency, UTM regional governor for the northern region Moses Mlenga said it was “a relief” to see that people are finally willing to change their lives for the better.

“The decision you have made today,” Mlenga said, “is the right one towards making Malawi great and prosperous for everyone. My prayer is that God should keep you healthy so that you vote for Dr Dalitso Kabambe, the only hope for Malawi on September 16.”

According to Mlenga, UTM was overwhelmingly impressed with Simwaka as the torchbearer for Karonga Central and requested the chiefs and constituents to bless and trust him.

“Karonga Central has suffered for a long time because of some people who feel like the constituency is a personal or family estate.

“Their time is up because this is time for real change for the better with Simwaka,” said Mlenga.

On his part, Simwaka said he was grateful for the support of the constituents and pledged servant leadership once he takes over as parliamentarian.

“I was born and raised up here, and I know the problems of this constituency.

“Together we will be discussing our problems and come up with the best of solutions for our own sake,” said Simwaka.

One of the defectors, Lughano Mwalilino, said he is convinced with UTM’s agenda for development, saying he “is disappointed with MCP.”

Politics

Karonga Central Constituents go to polls: MCP candidate not allowed to vote

Maneno Chimulala

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Voting is underway in Karonga Central constituency where five candidates are vying for a Parliamentary seat in this heavily contested by-election.

At one of the voting centres, Mwenilondo Primary School, voters were seen by our reporter  in long queues ready to cast their votes some minutes before six o’clock.

16,180 registered voters are expected to vote in this by election.

The candidates contesting are Leonard Mwalwanda of Malawi Congress Party, Ernest Mwalughali of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Frank Mwenifumbo of UTM, Shackie Mary Florence Nthakomwa, an independent and Nellie Sichali of Mbakuwako Movement for Development (MMD).

But MCP candidate,  Mwalwanda, has failed to vote because he registered in Lilongwe.

According to Malawi Electoral Commission, no transfers were allowed during this by-election process.

UTM candidate Frank Mwenifumbo cast his vote at Mwenilondo Polling Centre. He was accompanied by his wife.

The constituency has 21 poling centres.

By-election in Karonga Central are being conducted following the death of Cornelius Mwalwanda who died in office after winning the 2019 parliamentary polls on MCP ticket.

Politics

Malawi’s firebrand activist-cum-politician Mtambo dangles political pendulum towards Mwalwanda in Karonga Central

Maravi Post Reporter
Leader for CFT Timothy Mtambo

The firebrand human rights activist-cum-politician, Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo, permeated hostile zones in Karonga Central Constituency in round 2 of his campaign trail in the District over the weekend.

Last month, Mtambo, who is now Minister of Civic Education and National Unity in the Chakwera administration and also heading Citizens For Transformation (CFT) movement, launched his by-election campaign trail in Karonga, a move that sparked divisions within CFT and complaints in the UTM fold.

In his second coming, the CFT leader invaded Mwenefumbo’s base with a rally, defying tense expectations of a feared violence.

“In the morning, there were boys who started mounting UTM flags along the route to the Whistle stop venue and threatened violence should CFT come here. They even blocked the road while chanting songs threatening against any Mwalwanda rally. We are surprised that when Mtambo came, the boys distanced themselves from the route and all of us were surprised,” commented one lady clad in UTM t-shirt and was seen waving at Mtambo’s convoy.

Mtambo, who is styled as Commander-In-Chief (CIC) of CFT is supporting the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate Leonard Mwalwanda over a UTM contender Frank Mwenefumbo, a development that has resulted into a hostile cyber battle between UTM supporters and CFT.

Meanwhile, the dissidents who earlier on announced defection from CFT have since returned, citing that they were fooled into supporting UTM with promises that were never fulfilled.

Announcing the coming back of the dissidents, the CFT District Chairman in Karonga, Sahara wapa Sahara, touted CFT as a movement that does not impose membership on the people.

“As a political association, CFT does not own people. It is the people who own CFT. As a natural phenomenon, it is up to the owner to disown or continue owning something and no one will be forced. That is democracy. We welcome them back and encourage them to work hard towards our goals,” he said.