NICE BRINGS ASPIRANT COUNCILLORS IN MANGOCHI

Candidates vying for the Mikongo Ward seat in Mangochi North East Constituency on Wednesday engaged with voters and outlined their development plans during a debate organised by the National Initiative for Civic Education Trust.

The debate took place at Chifuniro Community-Based Care Centre in Group Village Head Matenganya where five of the six candidates participated. 

These included independent candidates Lackson Jagaji, James Royd, Lackson Simba and Aisha Chikoloni, alongside Ruth Makwinja of the United Democratic Front.Jagaji, a person with a disability, stood out during the debate with his well-articulated responses, saying his candidature is aimed at improving the welfare of people with disabilities and accelerating development in the ward.

He pledged to prioritise the improvement of roads, schools, health facilities and access to safe water to enhance the livelihoods of people in the area.Chikoloni, also contesting as an independent candidate, urged voters to consider electing a woman, saying her leadership would focus on improving infrastructure and reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. 

Makwinja said her experience in youth and community development initiatives positions her well to bring meaningful change to the ward. Group Village Head Matenganya commended the organisers for the debate, saying it helped voters better understand the candidates’ manifestos and leadership qualities. 

Mangochi NICE programme officer Joseph Chamambala said the platform was meant to allow candidates to interact with voters and promote unity. The event was organised with funding from the European Union.

Aspiring candidates during a political debate at Makongo Ward in Mangochi