A legal storm in Mzimba Central is testing the unity of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) after the High Court nullified its primary election results, exposing deep internal divisions just months before national polls.
At the centre of the controversy is Adamson Kuseri Mkandawire, who initially declared the winner of the May 11 primaries. According to media reports, senior party members are now pressuring him to appeal the ruling despite a clear court directive calling for a re-run due to procedural irregularities.
Mkandawire’s supporters argue that the High Court’s decision undermines the party’s internal autonomy. They view it as judicial overreach and are pushing for the judgment to be challenged in a higher court.
But another faction within the MCP is urging compliance, arguing that organizing a clean re-run is the only way to restore credibility. The standoff reflects a growing power struggle within the party’s leadership ahead of a pivotal election season.
The Mzuzu High Court ruled in favor of challenger Vitumbiko Mumba, citing the use of an unlawful electoral college and a queuing system, both in direct violation of party rules requiring a secret ballot, as set by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Justice Justus Kishindo found the process tainted by manipulated voter rolls and unapproved delegates, concluding that the irregularities were significant enough to nullify the results.
Mumba’s legal team claimed the process was rigged to favour Mkandawire, presenting evidence of a fraudulent delegate list and procedural shortcuts that breached party regulations.
While Mkandawire has acknowledged the ruling, he has yet to confirm whether he will appeal, saying only that he awaits guidance from the party’s leadership, which so far has remained silent.
The MCP’s lack of prompt, unified response has only deepened the uncertainty in Mzimba Central, where constituents now face a prolonged wait to learn who will represent them.
With general elections fast approaching, the MCP risks more than just a logistical headache. Unless it can reconcile its internal rifts and act decisively, the party’s image as a disciplined and democratic force could suffer lasting damage.
