Mbalizi to Become New Electoral Constituency in Mbeya

Mbalizi Designated as New Electoral Constituency, Stakeholders Applaud

Friday, March 7, 2025

The proposed splitting of the Mbeya Rural constituency is seen as a step toward improving service delivery to citizens due to the vast area, although some stakeholders believe the decision is long overdue.

 Mbeya – The Mbeya District Council has proposed initiating a process to either examine, divide, or rename the Mbeya Rural constituency in preparation for the upcoming general election slated for October 2025.

In a recent council meeting, Daudi Mbembela, the district’s Human Resources Officer, speaking on behalf of the council's director, Erica Yegella, revealed that they had received communication from the National Electoral Commission (NEC) requesting a name change for the constituency. Following this letter, the council proposed dividing the constituency, which currently comprises the Utengule, Isangati, and Tembela wards. The council believes the district meets the criteria to have two constituencies.

“We present the proposal for a new constituency named Mbalizi, which will cover the administrative areas of Usongwe and Isangati. It will span an area of 1,216 square kilometers, with a population of 276,120, comprising 18 wards, 86 villages, and 85 hamlets,” Mbembela said.

Additionally, the council is proposing a new constituency for Mbeya that will cover Tembela, with an area of 1,216 square kilometers, a population of 95,137, and 38 wards, 54 villages, and 328 hamlets. “Our district meets all the criteria to warrant the creation of two constituencies,” he added.

Mfisile Nswila, the councillor for Iwindi Ward, expressed long-standing concerns, advocating for the division of the constituency as a key development step to improve service delivery to the residents. "The vast size of our constituency makes it hard for residents to feel connected with the representative and the work being done. What is happening in one ward is not known in another. I fully support this decision,” said Nswila.

Addressing concerns about Mbeya City potentially annexing parts of Mbeya Rural, the council chairman, Mwalingo Kisemba, clarified that one authority cannot deliberate on matters pertaining to another without prior consent. “No authority has the legal right to discuss another’s jurisdiction without approval. This is a matter that needs to be addressed if it arises. I trust they understand that they cannot act outside the law,” Kisemba stated.

Oran Njeza, the Member of Parliament for Mbeya Rural (CCM), welcomed the proposed split, saying it has been his long-standing request in parliament. He also emphasized the need to elevate the status of Mbalizi town. “The area is vast, bordering nearly all constituencies in Mbeya and Songwe, except for Kyela and Tunduma. For instance, one hamlet has 100,000 people, but economic activities are growing rapidly,” Njeza explained.

Angella Mwasote, a resident of Mbalizi Town, remarked that while the split may seem delayed, it is necessary due to the growing population and increasing demand for social services. “Mbeya Rural may be the largest constituency in the region, and dividing it will ensure better access to services. We commend the government for recognizing this need,” Mwasote stated.