By Rennie Tembo

Lilongwe, August 16, Mana: Lilongwe District Council has elected Matias Chiopsanjati of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) from Chiputu ward as the new Chairperson for the council and Councillor Hardwell Jami of the same party from Chiwamba ward as his vice.

The council held its elective full council meeting on Friday, where Chiopsanjati won the seat after defeating Dominic Banda with 23 votes to 17 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Chiopsanjati said he is delighted to attain the Chairmanship and is ready to engage with stakeholders to promote development and ensure that the council is delivering to the people.

“It will be easier for my leadership to deliver if we hold hands and work together towards a common goal. I will not be competing with anyone, but I will be working with everyone, so I urge you to bring forward your ideas on how we can develop our district," he said.

He further emphasized the need to address issues amicably among councillors and asked them to deliver on their responsibilities as people from their wards look up to them.

Lilongwe District Commissioner, Lawford Palani welcomed the newly elected Chairperson and his Vice and assured them of the council’s support in discharging their duty.

“The council is ready to provide support and we are looking forward to a collaborative working relationship between the Chairperson and his Vice. Our goal is to work together to advance government’s agenda by implementing government’s projects,” he said.

Chiopsanjati is taking over the Council's Chairmanship from Councillor Dan Mtayamanja who served the council in the position for two terms.

The elections were managed by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) where 33 councillors and 7 Members of Parliament(MPs) voted.