By Timothy Peter

Dedza, February 21, Mana: One of the country's social media influencers, Gerald Chavez Kampanikiza commonly known as GCK has been voted as a torchbearer for Dedza Boma Constituency under the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) ahead of the September 16th general elections.

Kampanikiza amassed 839 votes to stand out as a top candidate who will represent the party against the other 5 candidates in elections held at Dedza Stadium on Thursday.

Speaking after the elections, Regional Publicity Director for the Centre who was a Team Leader for the Elections, Abraham Liwonde, commended people in the area for maintaining peace before, during and after the elections.

He said: "MCP is the mother of all political parties in the country and we told our supporters to maintain peace during the elections.

"People here have chosen the best candidate for themselves and as a party, we are very happy to conduct fair and free primary elections," he said.

He has since asked those who have not made it to support Kampanikiza in developing the area and also keeping the party strong.

"We ask those who have not made it to support the one who has won," he added.

In his reaction, Kampanikiza told Malawi News Agency (MANA) that he was a very happy person.

"I am very happy to be given this opportunity to lead the party under Dedza Boma Constituency. It was not easy for me but I was hopeful that I would make it.

“I will keep my promises as I work towards developing the area," he explained.

Kampanikiza was seconded by Howard Mzambwe who got 338 votes while Martha Kwataine was third with 194 votes followed by Jane Kumwanje with 37 votes and Francis Chimpikizo as well as Felicity Kadyampakeni who both got 10 votes.

Meanwhile, Ganizani Chimwala will represent MCP as councilor for Umbwi ward after amassing 370 votes while Charles M'tambalika who got 497 votes will represent Bembeke Ward.

Elsewhere at Dedza Linthipe Constituency, Councilor, Themuka Nkhweu has won with 767 votes against Jacob Kaumphawi's 529 and Bonex Malunga as well as Stevie Tanyaze who got 258 and 237 respectively.