High Court Dismisses Kazombo’s Application Against Electoral Commission
Published on September 23, 2025 at 9:59 AM by Edgar Naitha
The High Court sitting in Lilongwe has dismissed an application for judicial review filed by former Deputy Speaker of Parliament and former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament, Madalitso Fred Kazombo, against the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
The application, filed under Judicial Review Cause No. 61 of 2025 in the Civil Division of the High Court, sought permission to challenge MEC’s conduct in relation to the recent elections, whose official results are yet to be announced.
The case was presided over by Honourable Justice Violet Palikena-Chipao, who delivered her ruling in chambers on Monday.
In her ruling, Justice Palikena-Chipao dismissed the application due to numerous procedural irregularities, including typographical errors, incorrect legal citations, unclear arguments, and a failure to properly distinguish facts from legal issues.
“The court observed that the application, sworn statement, and skeleton arguments were riddled with errors and inconsistencies. It appeared to have been prepared hastily and without adequate attention to detail, which made it difficult for the court to fully grasp the intended legal challenge,” the Judge stated.
As a result, the court denied Kazombo leave to commence judicial review proceedings. However, the judge granted the applicant liberty to refile a properly drafted application and supporting documents if he so wishes.
Justice Palikena-Chipao also directed that any future application for leave must be made with notice to the Respondent, MEC, to ensure proper procedure is followed.
Kazombo was represented by Counsel Oscar Taulo.
Source: Malawi24 & MIJ
