Malawi Law Society, HRDC Join Ombudsman’s Case Against MERA

Malawi Law Society (MLS) and the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) will join the case involving the Ombudsman against the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) over the release of an investigative report which nullifies the recruitment of Henry Kachaje as chief executive officer for MERA.

The office of the Ombudsman has indicated that it will challenge the court order that stopped them from releasing the report.

Both MLS and HRDC are joining the case as friends of the court in support of the Ombudsman’s application.

While an MLS insider confided in us that they are joining the case, MLS President Patrick Mpaka said a decision to join the case is yet to be made but they are following developments.

“We, as MLS, are no doubt interested in and observing developments in the case given the involvement of three public institutions (MERA, Ombudsman and the Judiciary) and the various legal instruments at play. There should be public interest at stake.

“We are studying the papers to appreciate the issues involved before making any decision on what contribution we, as MLS, can make to promote the rule of law and assist in protecting public interest on the subject,” said Mpaka.

Mpaka added that they will provide an update on their decision after a review of the paperwork.

HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence has confirmed that they are joining the case in support of the Ombudsman’s application.

-Nation Online-