Chimwalire Ward Councillor Osman Mapira of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has been elected as the new Balaka District Council chairperson.

Mapira has won the elections after getting seven votes against Utale Ward Councillor Byson Gombwa who got four votes.

Speaking when accepting his new role, Mapira said he will strive to bolster development activities inorder to develop a new Balaka.

He takes over from Pharaoh Kambiri.