The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says it is still strong despite performing poorly in Tuesday’s by-elections.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced on Wednesday that MCP has scooped all three parliamentary seats and two ward councillors in the polls.

On the contrary, the DPP has only won in Mayani North Ward in Dedza district.

Speaking after the announcement, a senior DPP official Nicholas Dausi, dismissed assertions that the victories for MCP candidates is a sign that the DPP has become unpopular.

Dausi was quick to warn people against reading much in the results.

“People should not be get carried out with these results as this is not the first time it has happened,” he said.

Dausi added: “The ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) lost to MCP in the by-elections in the 1990’s but when the general elections came UDF won,” said Dausi who is also government spokesperson.

MCP has claimed Nsanje Lalanje, Lilongwe Msozi North and Lilongwe City South East parliamentary seats as well as Ndirande Makata and Mtsiliza wards.

Nsanje Lalanje Constituency has gone to MCP’s Lawrence Sitolo, Lilongwe City South East Constituency to Ulemu Msungama and Sosten Gwengwe has scooped Lilongwe Msozi North.