MAKEBI CONCEDES IN MALAMBO

FORMER Eastern Province minister and Malambo Member of Parliament Makebi Zulu has conceded defeat after losing to Simon Phiri of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Mr Phiri polled 14, 951 votes against Mr Zulu’s 8, 859 votes. In a Facebook post, Mr Zulu congratulated his opponent for his victory and said that it was his time. “My hearty congratulations to Peter Simon Phiri for scooping the MalamboConstituency seat. This is your time my brother, democracy must always prevail,” he said. Mr Zulu said the people of Malambo had spoken and the best candidate won and that he wished him well in his endeavours. Meanwhile, UPND parliamentary candidate Reuben Phiri has scooped the Chipata Central seat. Mr Phiri beat nine other contestants after amassing 15, 453 votes beating his closest rival from the PF, Mr Amon Jere, who got 12, 801 votes. The Returning Officer Donald Mwanza declared Mr Phiri as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Chipata Central. Meanwhile, independent candidate George Mwanza was declared winner in the Chipata City Council mayoral race. Mr Mwanza got 38, 029 votes beating his closest rival, UPND’s ElidahMwanza, who had 17, 370 votes. The PF candidate, Mr William Phiri was third with 13, 883 votes in the tightly contested election which had eight candidates vying for the position. BY ADRIAN MWANZA