Legal Analyst Suggests Mutharika Calls for a Special Session of Parliament to Review Ansah’s Performance

Legal analyst Justin Dzonzi has suggested that the president has powers to call for a special session of parliament to facilitate a review of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Jane Ansah’s performance.

There have been suggestions for a special session of parliament to summon its Public Appointments Committee (PAC), to recommend to the president the removal of the MEC Chairperson along with the chief elections officer and commissioners should they be found to be incompetent.

Critics believe this could bring to an end the prevailing political tension.

Dzonzi emphasizes that although the president has such powers, it may be difficult for him to call for such a session as he is also an interested party.

Mutharika and Ansah are receiving critics from different stakeholders aftermath of May 21 tripartite elections.

Mutharika’s presidency is being challenged in court by United Transformation Movement (UTM) President Saulos Chilima and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Lazarus Chakwera.

On the other hand Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the banner Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) are calling for Ansah’s resignation .who is being accused of mismanaging May 21 elections where the electoral body under Ansah’s leadership declared Mutharika winner of the disputed elections.

The landmark elections case is expected to resume tomorrow in Lilongwe.