Constitutional Court nullifies Malawi presidential elections

Constitutional court has nullified the disputed 21 May 2019 presidential elections results.

The court comprised five judges Healey Potani, Ivy Kamanga, Mike Tembo, Redson Kapindu and Dingiswayo Madise.

Reading the judgement on 3rd February lead judge Potani said Malawi Electoral Commission MEC which was the second respondent in the case breached presidential elections laws and the constitution.

“President Mutharika who won the 21 elections was not duly elected hence fresh elections must be held within 150 days,” said Potani

Potani said the court reinstated Chilima as the vice president hence removing Everton Chimulirenji from the position.

The court ordered MEC to incur all costs of the petitioners in the case which were UTM party and Malawi Congress Party

“Parliament must meet within 21 days and review the appointment of chairperson of MEC,” recommended the judges

The court further said the 50 plus 1 system of electing president should be used in the fresh elections.

Meanwhile, Citizens have welcomed the constitutional court verdict of nullifying the presidential elections results.

In separate interviews some of the people say the judgment indicates that Malawi is maturing in democracy and ready to fight corruption.

“Tthe fresh elections will help to determine what the people wanted during the 21st may elections,” they said

The citizens further said the peaceful environment the country is in right now clearly shows that people are happy with the verdict.

Commenting one of the law experts in the country has said the constitutional ruling on presidential elections has made a significant contribution to the consolidation of democracy.

Law lecturer at Chancellor College in Zomba Associate Prof Edge Kanyongolo said the case has underlined the rule of law and independence of the judiciary saying it has blown a whistle to the next elections.