As the Malawi Electoral Commission launches by-elections in Mzimba on 1st August, 2012, both the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party and its successor in government, People’s Party claim they will scoop the two contested seats.

By-elections will take place in Mzimba South West constituency became vacant after the former Member of Parliament of the area, Mr. Khumbo Kachali, while Mzimba Central constituency fell vacant following the death of Professor Donton Mkandawire

The former ruling DPP believes the foundation laid by its former leader Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika is enough for them to reclaim the two posts while PP banks on the Joyce Banda leadership style.

DPP Secretary General, Mr. Wakuda Kamanga, strongly feels the developmental projects initiated by the late President Bingu wa Mutharika, will certainly win them votes.

“Although we’re concerned that the electoral body hasn’t informed us on the electoral calendar, we’ve every hope that our party will win the in the two constituencies. As a party, we carried out a number of developmental activities, as such we think people in the two constituencies won’t forget that,” said the DPP Secretary General.

Mr. Kamanga says the former ruling party feels its previous wrong-doings will not back fire.

“The previous governments of Malawi Congress Party and United Democratic Front had their own mistakes, but nobody talks about that any more—so why should anyone still be talking about the wrongs DPP made?” Wondered Mr. Kamanga.

On the People’s Party says is very hopeful t it will bag the two seats.

PP’s Publicist Secretary Mr. Steve Mwenye said, “Our party is strong and we believe there’s no strong contender to challenge us in the by-elections in Mzimba. Above all, the leadership of our president makes us strong favourites in the polls.”

The by-elections in both Mzimba South West and Mzimba Central constituencies will, by any means, be a litmus test for the Democratic Progressive Party and the People’s Party.

The two parties have a common denominator: the DPP is now out of government following death of late President Bingu wa Mutharika, while the People’s Party id in government for the same reason.

The Malawi Electoral Commission announced over the weekend that it will launch the by-elections in Mzimba on 1st August, 2012.