Out of 1248 votes, Mlogera got 486, followed by Gibson Chisale of Alliance for Democracy -AFORD who bagged 458. Democratic Progressive Party –DPP candidate George Manda scooped 267 while Mike Phiri an independent got 16. Esmey Jere of Umodzi party and Ulaya Kaunda of Mafunde had 10 and 5 respectively, while 6 were null and void.

Mlongera firstly took the lead in two centres of Mbawemi and Mdewa with 195 and 99 respectively while Chisale collected massive votes at of 336 at New Jerusalem.

Results from New Jerusalem arrived at the tarry centre very late as some party monitors of DPP, AFORD, UP, MAFUNDE and of an Independent boycotted the signing where only one monitor of MCP signed.

The results also came in unusual envelopes than the recommended transparent plastic bag due to tension the centre experienced.

During the voting time there was tension at the same centre as some officials from the party visited the centre demanding to enter into voting room claiming they are monitors.

This brought tension at the centre and forced the Malawi Police Service to redeploy more police officers to strengthen security.

Chiwanja ward had 6138 registered voters with 3 polling centres but 1248 people voted representing 20.3 percent.

In all three polling centres there was poor turn up of voters in the morning as it was not expected.
Mzuzu District Civic Education Officer Chifundo Thungwa said this has indicated that there was massive voter apathy in the Chibanja ward.

“People have spoken that they were not very much interested to participate in the election. This shows that we as NICE we have a lot of work to do in civic educating people the importance of voting.” Mrs Thungwa said.

Mlogera said he was very grateful for being the winner and has promised people to bring development in the area.

“It was a tough race but by the grace of God I have succeeded. I will make sure that government and other development partners help the area with development projects.” Mlogera explained.

Malawi Electoral Commission –MEC is yet to officially announce the results of the by-election by Wednesday.
Chiwanja ward fell vacant following the death of the People’s Party –PP Councilor Joy Nyirongo.