By Burnett Munthal
In a surprising twist during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) primary elections for Zomba Ntonya Constituency, aspirant Benso Bulla walked away with zero votes.
The primary election, held as part of the party’s preparations for the upcoming general elections, was expected to be a competitive race among several candidates vying to represent the DPP in the constituency.
However, the outcome for Benso Bulla was both unexpected and disheartening, as he failed to garner even a single vote from the delegates.
The result has raised eyebrows within the party and among political analysts, many of whom are questioning what could have gone so drastically wrong in Bulla’s campaign strategy or grassroots engagement.
Observers on the ground noted that while other candidates had mobilized supporters and maintained visible engagement with constituents, Bulla appeared isolated and disconnected from the local structures.
Some party insiders have suggested that Bulla may have entered the race without adequately building relationships with key stakeholders and delegates who form the backbone of local political support.
Others speculated that internal politics or a lack of endorsement from influential party figures may have contributed to his poor performance.
The phrase “Kumakhala bwino ndi anthu abale,” loosely translated as “It is important to maintain good relations with people, brothers and sisters,” has been widely circulated on social media following the announcement of Bulla’s zero tally.
The phrase has become a humorous but poignant reminder in political circles about the importance of community engagement and interpersonal relations in Malawian politics.
As the DPP continues its internal elections across the country, Bulla’s experience serves as a stark lesson to other aspirants about the critical importance of cultivating genuine local support.
Meanwhile, voters in Zomba Ntonya will now turn their attention to the candidate who won the primaries and will likely represent the DPP in the general election, as the party seeks to regain its influence in the region.
Political commentators expect that Bulla’s zero-vote record will spark broader discussions about candidate vetting processes and the need for stronger engagement at grassroots level.
Despite the disappointment, party officials have emphasized that the primaries are a democratic process and that every candidate had an equal opportunity to win the trust of voters.
Benso Bulla has yet to issue an official statement following the outcome of the election.
