afrol News, 20 July - The high court has discarded the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and its president John Tembo’s petition disputing the 19 May elections results, saying it is not in accordance with the law.

The Malawian law clearly stipulates that any electoral challenge should be lodged within 48 hours after polling.

Judge Richard Chinangwa threw out the petition saying it was outside the time as stipulated in the constitution.

Local reports said the state has asked the court to throw out the case arguing that claims by Mr Tembo and his party are frivolous and that they have no basis to back their petition case in court.

Judge Chinangwa also said Mr Tembo did not include President Bingu wa Mutharika in the petition to defend himself from his claims.

However, opposition defence said it was not possible for Mr Tembo to present comprehensive and objective material evidence within the 48 hours as stipulated by the constitution.

Mr Tembo and his MCP have maintained that they have evidence to prove that the elections had widespread irregularities and that they were rigged for President Mutharika to get a second term in office.

Mr Tembo, in a sworn affidavit alleges that the polls had irregularities ranging from voters’ roll, acquisition of extra ballot papers, abuse and monopoly of public radio MBC and TVM, misuse of public resources, and failure by monitors and other stakeholders to do their job well.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories