COURT REJECTS PP CHIBANJA WARD CANDIDATE’s PLEA

The High Court in Mzuzu has flown away a case where Opposition People’s Party (PP) candidate for Chibanja Ward, Blackson Kalwena Gondwe sued Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), protesting his disqualification.

MEC disqualified Gondwe on the grounds that he used forged identification card and that he obtained registration fraudulently.

Gondwe retaliated by suing MEC, arguing that the Voters identity that is in his position was issued by MEC to prove his legal registration.

Delivering his ruling on Thursday, Judge Dingiswayo Madise ruled in favour of MEC, saying Gondwe is not allowed to contest for the by-elections scheduled for August 25, 2015.

Madise also ordered Mr. Gondwe to forfeit the fake voter certificate and the Malawi Electoral Commission to destroy it.

The judge has also refused to allow nomination by substitution meaning PP will not field any candidate in Chibanja ward.

The by elections will be conducted in Khwawa Ward in Karonga; Chibanja Ward in Mzuzu; Msikisi Ward in Mangochi, Zomba Central Ward in Zomba and Lutchenza Ward in Thyolo.