Supporters of the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party have chosen their torch bearers in the Mzimba Central and Mzimba South by-elections slated for October 9.

In a primary poll conducted Tuesday, Mr Owen Mkandawire won with the Mzimba Central candidacy with 334 votes. Mr Michael Zimba came second with 204 votes and Mr. Robert Mkandawire was last with nine votes.

As the primary elections were taking place in Mzimba Central, DPP followers in Mzimba South were also choosing their torch bearer. Mr. Ronald Chavula emerged a winner with 391 votes.

DPP First Vice President Mr. Goodall Gondwe who chaired the primaries in Mzimba Central said it was one of the peaceful and organized primary elections the party has conducted since its establishment 2005.

“With these peaceful primaries our candidate will surely carry the day on 9TH October because there is maturity in our voters”, said Mr Gondwe.

After the primaries in Mzimba Central, the two losers agreed to support Mr Mkandawire so that he sails through on 9 October.

Said Mr. Zimba, “In any elections there is always one winner, and today is Mr. Owen Mkandawire, we will support him from today until the voting day”.

Mr. Henry Musa who presided over the primaries in Mzimba South appealed for support to Mr. Chavula who will represent the party during the by-election.

Apart from Mr. Gondwe and Mr. Musa, other DPP senior members that included Mr. Christopher Ngwira, Mr. Labson Chihaula Shaba also graced the primary elections in Mzimba.