Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Maxwell Finiasi was leading in unofficial results of the by-election that took place in Mtiya Ward, Zomba Central Constituency, Tuesday.
According to tabulated data, Finiasi got 505 votes whereas Malawi Congress Party (MCP)’s Humphrey’s Rabeti was trailing with 457 votes.
Sympathisers of the DPP started celebrating their unofficial victory in the streets of Zomba as early as 8pm.
However, official results would be known after 10am today.
Candidates included Finiasi, Tereza Kambale of Umodzi Party, Micah Mwalala of UTM, Rabeti and United Democratic Front’s Natasha Thewe.
By 4pm on Tuesday, the Malawi Electoral Commission had closed all the three polling centres to pave the way for vote counting.
Mtiya Ward became vacant following the death of former representative for the area, Ramsey Kajosolo, who was UTM.
Kajosolo died early this year.
Mec Chairperson Judge Chifundo Kachale said the commission had learnt a number of things.
“What we are trying to manage is a scenario, whereby the polling ends in good time so that counting begins before sunset. We are also hoping that, by doing this, the counting process would be credible,” he said.
Among other notable things, Umodzi Party aspiring councillor Tereza Kambale was not allowed to vote since she was registered in Phalombe District.
