Former Minister of Industry and Trade, Sosten Gwengwe who flopped in the presidential bid when he was picked as running mate of Joyce Banda in 2014 elections will represent the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the by-elections in Lilongwe Msozi North Constituency.

The development comes barely a month after relocating from Dedza Central Constituency where he was MP between 2009 and 2014.

In the primaries conducted on Monday, Gwengwe outclassed his four other contenders with 559 Votes seconded by Mr. Kathewera who got 11 votes.

The other contenders identified as Mr. Chimphonda got one votes while Mr. Dzuwa and Mr Dzoole Mwale got two votes each.

The development means Gwengwe will represent the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the by-elections.

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is scheduled to hold the by-election in May this year.

Lilongwe Msozi North Constituency fell vacant following the death of Highton Jiya on January 2.