A legal attempt to overturn a parliamentary election result failed in Lilongwe. DPP candidate Edward Makaiko Mvoliwa and UTM's Loveness Gondwe had petitioned the High Court to nullify the September vote in Lilongwe City Ngwenya Constituency. Their supporters gathered outside the courthouse early but left quietly by midday after the ruling.
Justice Mzonde Mvula dismissed the petition. The judge found the evidence did not meet the high legal bar required to cancel an election. The petitioners had claimed unsealed ballot boxes, biased officials, and violent incidents, including an injured monitor. The court determined that the Malawi Electoral Commission managed the poll competently and declared Nancy Tembo the legitimate winner. It stated the alleged issues were either unproven or resolved before results were finalized.
The petitioners' lawyer, Chimwemwe Sikwese, said his team would review the full judgment before considering next steps. Mvoliwa expressed frustration, maintaining that serious irregularities occurred. He plans further consultations, leaving the door open for potential future political or legal maneuvers, though the court battle is concluded for now.
Justice Mzonde Mvula dismissed the petition. The judge found the evidence did not meet the high legal bar required to cancel an election. The petitioners had claimed unsealed ballot boxes, biased officials, and violent incidents, including an injured monitor. The court determined that the Malawi Electoral Commission managed the poll competently and declared Nancy Tembo the legitimate winner. It stated the alleged issues were either unproven or resolved before results were finalized.
The petitioners' lawyer, Chimwemwe Sikwese, said his team would review the full judgment before considering next steps. Mvoliwa expressed frustration, maintaining that serious irregularities occurred. He plans further consultations, leaving the door open for potential future political or legal maneuvers, though the court battle is concluded for now.
