22 contenders to battle it out in the October 26 by-elections in Nkhotakota, Mzimba, and Dedza

At least 22 contestants have expressed interest in the battle for a parliamentary seat in the coming by-elections slated to take place on 26 October 2021 in Nkhotakota North East, Mzimba East, and Dedza Central East constituencies.

Speaking during the presentation of nomination papers by the candidates on Sunday in Nkhotakota, the constituency returning officer said the ground was leveled for free, fair, and credible election in the constituencies and all the papers would be sent to Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) headquarters for verification and approval.

On their part, the aspirants for the NkhotaKota Central Constituency said they were all hopeful for credible results of the polls as every preparation seemed to be done transparently.

From Nkhotakota Central East constituency, nine candidates will tussle it out for a seat. They include Overston Kondowe who will represent Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Aisha Adams of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Aleke Kamangeni, United Democratic Front's (UDF) candidate, Chimwemwe Chidothe of UTM Party, Patrick Kampaliro for Alliance for Democracy (Aford), Panji Chirambo who will be on Assembly for Democracy and Development (ADD) ticket, and three independent candidates: Zelita Banda, Gift Mbuna and Franklin Yonamu.

In Mzimba East Constituency, at least UTM will have Christopher Munyenyembe as its candidate, MCP will field Donnex Muva, Wesley Kumwenda will represent DPP, Omlax Wachepa Phiri will be on Aford's ticket, John Chuma ndi Mame Phiri will be for Freedom Party's (FP) and an independent candidate, Dr. Reuben Ngwenya.

Seven candidates have presented their nomination papers in Dedza. They are MCP's Joshua Malango, Eliot Kasawala for DPP, Patrick Siwinda for UTM, and four independent candidates: Bonnex Malaunga, Roghen Conex Gondwe, Loudoun Malingamoyo Phiri, and Solomon Nkomba Kachitsa.