By Suleman Chitera – Lilongwe
The High Court in Lilongwe Civil Division has dismissed an injunction application by Gift Mazembero Banda, who sought to block Simon Vuwa Kaunda Jr. from being recognised as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate for Salima Central Constituency in the forthcoming general elections.
Mazembero Banda had petitioned the court to nullify the DPP primary elections in the area, alleging widespread irregularities including vote-buying through handouts and manipulation of the electoral college figures to favour Kaunda Jr.
However, in its latest ruling, the court threw out the injunction with costs, effectively paving the way for Vuwa Kaunda Jr. to proceed with his nomination.
Lawyer for Mazembero Banda, Oscar Taulo, confirmed the ruling but clarified that the broader case remains active in court.
“Although the injunction has been dismissed, the court is yet to make a final determination on the alleged irregularities. There’s a possibility the matter could proceed to mediation in August,” said Taulo.
On the other hand, Kaunda Jr.’s lawyer, Alemekezeke Mando, welcomed the ruling, stating that his client is now free to submit his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) under the DPP banner before the upcoming deadline.
The legal dispute has attracted interest from both party supporters and political observers, as the Salima Central Constituency is expected to be one of the hotly contested seats in the coming elections.
