3 aspiring parliamentary candidates present papers to MEC for Dedza central poll race as UTM, UDF chicken out

Three aspiring candidates on Tuesday presented their papers to Malawi Electoral Commission for Dedza central parliamentary byelection in a poll the ruling Malawi Congress Party is favoured to win.

The papers were presented at a ceremony at Mthandiza Primary School in the district.

Conspicuously missing were candidates from UTM and UDF, parties which are not participating in the poll for what political commentators say poor showing in the recent byelections.

Three candidates are competing for the position in Dedza central constituency which became vacant following the death of the former legislator for the area, Daniel Chiwere, in July this year.

The aspirants are Jacob Kaumphawi, an independent candidate,  Willard Gwengwe of the Malawi Congress Party and Andrew Kowedza of the Democratic Progressive Party.

The by-election is expected to take place on 16 November 2023.