By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, August 2, Mana: Councillor Dorothy Musa of Namnjiwa Ward has been re-elected as Chairperson for Mchinji District Council in a decisive victory during the council elections held on Friday.

Musa, who served in the same role last term, secured 15 votes.

Also vying for the position were Msitu Councilor, Spesha Fungulani, who garnered a single vote, and Chimimbe Ward Councilor, Aaron Chidzanja, who received two votes.

In her acceptance speech, Councilor Musa expressed delight and gratitude for the trust placed in her by her colleagues.

"I am honoured to have been re-elected as chairperson. This means that people have trust in me and have seen fruits in me,” said Musa.

Musa described the elections as a manifestation of women's empowerment since her deputy is also a woman.

Mkoma Ward Councilor, Martha Dzanja, emerged victorious as vice chairperson, defeating Councillor Henry Banda of Liweredzi Ward with a vote count of 12 to six.

Commenting on the outcome of the elections, Executive Director of local women-focused organisation Women’s Hope for Change Organization, Hellen Makukula, said the polls signify people's trust in women in Mchinji.

“In the past Mchinji never had belief in women as leaders but now we have seen many women getting leadership positions which is a sign of gender equality,” said Makukula.