Chilima says his ready to challenge Mutharika’s appeal

State Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima who is also founder and President of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) has said his lawyers are ready to challenge the appeal by the first respondent, President Peter Mutharika, in the Presidential election case.

This morning Mutharika through his Press Officer Mgeme Kalilani confirmed to the press the President will appeal the case to Supreme Court.

According to Mutharika’s spokesperson Mgeme Kalilani, some of the grounds include serious miscarriage of justice, threat to democracy and an attempt to circumvent will of the people.

Mutharika is arguing that the concourt made some judgements including 50+ 1 which was not submitted by the petitioners. Secondly, the court also ordered Parliament to meet and reconcile tenure of MPs which is against spirit of separation of powers.

But speaking in a media briefing in the capital Lilongwe, Chilima said his lawyers are ready to challenge the appeal being prepared by Mutharika.

He said the President is only exercising his rights and that he cannot be stopped.

The Constitutional Court on Monday nullified the May 21 polls and called for fresh election within a period of 150 days.

The court also ordered the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to pay the petitioners (UTM, MCP) costs incurred in the case.