By Jordan Simeon-Phiri, MEC Stringer
Independent Member of Parliament for Karonga Central Constituency in the forth coming by-election, Mary Florence Shackie Nthakomwa started her campaign trail at Chinsogholo ground in the area of Chief Lupembe by offering a K1 million women’s revolving loan fund.
Nthakomwa said the fund is aimed at empowering women economically and she pledged to develop the area in so many ways once elected into the august House.
She said her campaign launch signifies her commitment to serving people in various ways to uplift their socio economic status, saying a number of women and the youth in the area don’t have the capital to kick start various business ventures they might consider to carry out.
The crowd that gathered, majority being women
“I decided to launch my campaign in this way to send a message to the doubting Thomases about my candidature.
“I am here for serious business. I want to economically empower my fellow women and the youth through this revolving loan fund,” she said.
Adding credence to Nthakomwa’s candidature, guest of honour South Katakwe Mfune told the mammoth crowd that defied the scorching sun to hear what she had offer, said a woman is better placed to appreciate the challenges that people go through in their day to day lives.
Malawi Parliament
She said this is why Nthakomwa continues with her ambitions to represent the people of Karonga Central Constituency.
“Women are sources of good things,” Mfune said. “Right from birth they know our challenges and needs.
“We need portable water, we need food, we need electricity, education, health facilities that is equipped with essential drugs and enough workforce — the answer is on Nthakomwa.”
Coronavirus alert
On her part, Northern Region Women Forum rights coordinator, Tiwonge Gondwe — whose institution promotes women in decision making positions — traveled all the way from Rumphi to drum up support for Nthakomwa.
She challenged women to use their numerical advantage to vote in large numbers for their fellow women to embrace socio-economic change for the constituency.
“Statistics indicate that we women are in large numbers. Therefore, if each and every one of you vote for Nthakomwa, she will carry the day and continue from where she has begun today.
Coronavirus alert
“The establishment of this K1 million revolving fund is something that will significantly change your lives. Now, for the sake of sustainability, go and vote for her on November 10.
Gondwe further warned the electorates to avoid voting for the same people over and over again, saying: “You have tried the rest, it is now time for you to try the best if you want a vibrant health and education systems in your area”.
One of the first beneficiary of the revolving fund, Halliet Sichali from Nkhomo Village, was all smiles, saying she will diversify from beer business to fretter production.
The launch was spiced up by football match involving Mbawa and Mlamba clubs and a netball one between Usisya and Movers in which Mlamba won 2-0 to receive K15,000 cash and K8,000 for the netball winners, Usisya who won 13-8.
Coronavirus alert
Meanwhile, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is reminding aspiring candidates and all stakeholders that receipt of nomination papers for the November 10 by-elections will take place on Wednesday, October 7 at the following venues:
* Karonga Central Constituency at Chiwondo TDC
* Mangochi West Constituency at Thema TDC
* Lilongwe North West Constituency at Kasiya TDC
* Phalombe North Constituency at Khongoloni TDC
* Makhuwira South Ward at Livunzu TDC
Sam Alfandika, Chief Elections Officer
A statement from MEC’s Chief Elections Officer, Sam Alfandika reminds stakeholders that receipt of nomination papers for Mangochi North East Constituency has been postponed following an injunction that was obtained by one of the 2019 Parliamentary election candidates in the constituency.
“The Commission will advise on the way forward when the case is concluded in the High Court,” Alfandika said.
“The Commission is further encouraging all aspirants to take their nomination papers to the above-mentioned places for pre-inspection on 6th October, 2020 from 9:00am to 4.00pm.
On nomination day, all aspiring candidates and their representatives are advised to stick to the schedule allocated to them by their respective Constituency/Ward Returning Officers.”
Coronavirues alert: Respect to health workers