By Draxon Maloya
UTM delegates have elected Dr Moses Mlenga as the party’s new regional governor for the North at an election conference held in Mzuzu to replace Leonard Njikho who resigned recently.
The election drew a total of 20 UTM delegates from each of the districts in the region including Likoma Island.
Dr Moses Mlenga amassed 90 out of 153 votes casted against 64 votes scooped by Robson Chihaula Shaba.
After the polls, National Director of political Affairs, Anita Kalinde hailed the delegates for conducting a free and fair election apart from observing Covid-19 presentive measures.
“This process has been wonderful considering that we have managed an election which has been very free and fair, apart from that we maintained social distance in fear of the novel coronavirus pandemic” Kalinde said.
Taking his turn former Regional Governor, Leonard Njikho emptied his chest from all frustrations he went through when he was at the helm during his tenure of office as the provincial boss but pledged to support UTM till death.
” I will always support UTM and when I will think of leaving it that will also mean the end of my political career,” Njikko
Meanwhile Rabson Chihaula Shaba accepted defeat and said democracy is flourishing in UTM which he said shall always be exemplary.
And in his acceptance speech, the newly elected regional governor, Dr Moses Mlenga relinquished his position as NEC member saying he will concentrate on his new role by making the party grow.
“Before I accept my new position as party regional governor for the region let me announce my resignation as UTM NEC member so that I can now concentrate favorably on this new role trusted in me at this conference,” Mlenga said.
Members of the Youth Achievers led by its Director, Mzondi Mkandawire were involved in ensuring that the election were free and fair by among others verifying the ballot papers.
The seat of the Regional Governor for the Northern Region fell vacant following the resignation of the party’s Regional boss, Leonard Njikho a couple weeks ago saying he would like to concentrate on personal issues.