Vitumbiko Mumba vs MCP: Ruling Set for July 15
Published on July 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM by Edgar Naitha
Justice Justus Kishindo of the Mzuzu High Court has reserved his ruling to 15 July 2025 in the inter-party hearing involving Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) over the party’s primary election results for Mzimba Central Constituency.
The case was filed by Mumba, one of the parliamentary aspirants, who challenged the outcome of the MCP primary election held on 11 May 2025, during which National Executive Member Maxwell Thyolera declared Adamson Mkandawire the winner.
Justice Kishindo said the ruling date will allow sufficient time for the successful party to submit nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) ahead of the elections. However, he also noted that the judgment could be delivered earlier than the stated date if necessary.
The hearing and cross-examination of both parties took place between 8 and 9 July 2025.
Speaking after the proceedings, Khumbo Soko, lawyer for Mumba, expressed satisfaction with how the case was presented, saying, “We believe we have made our case clearly before the court.”
On the other hand, Justine Dzonzi, lawyer for Mkandawire, acknowledged that court rulings always favour one side and noted that depending on the timing of the judgment, filing an appeal might be difficult. Nonetheless, he affirmed that his client is ready to respect the court’s decision.
The ruling is expected to bring clarity to the MCP’s candidate list for the upcoming elections in Mzimba Central, a constituency seen as strategically important for the party.
