Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) running mate in the 2019 elections, Everton Chimulirenji, has secured a court injunction stopping the party from holding a fresh primary election in Ntcheu North West constituency.
The injunction, which was granted by the High Court, also stops the DPP from nominating any other person apart from Chimulirenji as its official candidate for the constituency in the upcoming elections. This order will remain in place until the court hears both sides of the case on June 18, 2025.
The DPP had already held primary elections in the constituency on April 12, where Chimulirenji competed against former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Dr. Jane Ansah. Chimulirenji was declared the winner.
However, on June 7, the party’s Director of Elections, Dr. Jean Mathanga, wrote a letter informing all concerned parties that the results of the April 12 primary had been cancelled. The letter stated that a re-run would take place on June 11.
According to the party, the decision was made after receiving complaints from Dr. Ansah. She alleged that the elections were not conducted fairly, citing issues like interference and intimidation by party officials, changes to the voting venue without notice, and people voting in the dark at a polling center in Khomba.
Chimulirenji, unhappy with the party’s decision to cancel the results and organize a re-run, went to court to challenge it. His legal team argued that the election had already been completed and that he had won fairly.
With the injunction now in place, the DPP cannot proceed with the new primary election or nominate a different candidate until the court makes a final decision after the June 18 hearing.
This legal battle adds more tension within the party as it prepares for the next elections.
KOMA NGAKHALE ZILI CHONCHO, ZIKUWONESA KUTI PETER MUTHARIKA ZAKE ZILI PA BWINO CHIFUKWA THANDIZO LAKE LINA LIKUCHOKELA KU UNITED KINGDOM READ THE STORY HERE
