Speaker Gotani Hara Seeks ConCourt Intervention Over Mutharika’s Refusal to Assent Into Electoral Bills

Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara has written the Constitutional Court following President Peter Mutharika’s refusal to sign electoral reform bills and fire Malawi Electoral Commissioner (MEC) commissioners.

In a press statement seen by Face of Malawi reporter Hara is seeking the intervention of the Constitution Court on the matter as the country is drawing closer to fresh elections as ordered by the court.

On February 3, the Constitutional Court nullified presidential elections and issued orders to be followed in the next fresh presidential elections.

The Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament also recommended the firing of MEC chairperson Jane Ansah and all commissioner concurring with Constitutional Court findings which labeled them (Commissioners) incompetent.

But Mutharika withheld his assent on the electoral reforms and the recommendation of firing MEC Commissioners hence the speaker’s move to seek intervention from the Constitutional Court.

In a related development,United Transformation Movement (UTM) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) have filed a case against President Peter Mutharika for failing to fire Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners who were found incompetent by Constitutional Court.

Saulos Chilima and Lazarus Chakwera leaders of UTM and MCP respectively, have also dragged MEC commissioners to court over their refusal to resign despite calls from various stakeholders.