By Tawonga Moyo

Mzuzu, June 26, Mana: Councilor for Songwe Ward in Mzuzu City, who is a member of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), Kondwani Brian Nyasulu was on Wednesday elected a new mayor for Mzuzu City after defeating the incumbent, Gift Desire Nyirenda.

Nyasulu amassed 9 votes out of 16 votes that were cast whilst Nyirenda got 7 votes during the voting process which took place in the Mzuzu City Council Chamber.

On the position of Deputy Mayor, Councilor for Katawa Ward, Monica Simwaka grabbed the seat, becoming the first female deputy mayor after amassing 10 votes against councilors Tony Mwenitete of Mzilawaingwe Ward and Hiwett Mkandawire of Chiputula ward who got three votes each.

There was however commotion before the commencement of the elections after one of the councillors, 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 was among those facilitating the process, 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.

Besides that, having the first female deputy mayor is a positive development for the council because it means that we are achieving the 50:50 gender representation in senior positions," said Nyasulu.

In her remarks, Simwaka said she was excited to be the first female deputy mayor and pledged to work hard in rendering support to the mayor as they drive the cities development agenda together.

Notable people at the event included Member of Parliament for Mzuzu City Bennex Mwamlima and Traditional Authority Thula, among others.