Legal path cleared for Thomson Kamangira following court ruling
By Burnett Munthali
The High Court in Blantyre has dismissed an application seeking to stop the winning candidate in the Nsanje South Constituency parliamentary election from being sworn in.
A court document shows that the application was filed by Ramazan Juma Muhommed against the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
Muhommed had sought a court order to suspend the declaration of the winner and prevent the winning candidate from assuming office until his main election petition was resolved.
However, in a ruling on October 13, 2025, High Court Judge Chanza dismissed the case.
The court found that the application was filed incorrectly and under the wrong legal procedure.
Judge Chanza stated that matters of this nature must be brought under specific election rules.
He added that applications for injunctions must be made as an inter partes hearing, meaning that the other side must be present during proceedings.
With the dismissal of the case, the path is now clear for the declared winner of the Nsanje South parliamentary seat to be sworn into office.
Earlier this month, the Malawi Electoral Commission declared Thomson Kamangira of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) the winner of the parliamentary seat.
The ruling emphasizes the importance of following proper legal procedures when challenging election results.
Legal experts say that election disputes must adhere to statutory requirements to ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of the process.
Muhommed’s petition, which challenges the election outcome, remains pending and must continue through the correct legal channels.
Meanwhile, Kamangira can proceed with preparations to take his oath of office and assume parliamentary responsibilities.
Observers note that the ruling reinforces confidence in the legal framework for handling electoral matters in Malawi.
The case highlights the role of the judiciary in interpreting electoral laws and ensuring that challenges are properly filed and heard.
It also sends a message to potential litigants that procedural compliance is critical in election-related disputes.
With the High Court’s decision, the Nsanje South constituency is set to have representation in Parliament without further administrative delay.
The Malawi Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all electoral processes are conducted in accordance with the law.
This development marks a significant step in concluding the post-election phase for the Nsanje South parliamentary seat.
Thomson Kamangira is now expected to join other lawmakers in the National Assembly to represent his constituents.
The ruling may also serve as a reference for future election petitions regarding procedural compliance in Malawi’s legal system.
