The Supreme Court of Appeal has set aside the results of the parliamentary race in Balaka Mulunguzi Constituency, citing serious concerns over how the vote was managed.
The decision follows a legal challenge by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate James Makhumula, who contested the integrity of the results after losing the seat.
His appeal was upheld by a nine-member panel of judges led by Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court sharply criticised the High Court for failing to properly assess the evidence presented.
The panel found that Makhumula had established a clear prima facie case showing that the election process was compromised by irregularities.
The court highlighted significant inconsistencies in official election documents, particularly in how results were recorded, managed, and verified and Judges said that these discrepancies cast serious doubt on the authenticity and reliability of the declared outcome.
The ruling also faulted the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for failing to provide satisfactory explanations for the anomalies, further undermining confidence in the results.
As an immediate consequence, Mrs Mambala, who had been announced the duly elected Member of Parliament, has lost her seat with immediate effect.Speaking after the ruling, Makhumula’s lawyer, Khumbo Bonzoe Soko, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a strong statement on electoral integrity.
In addition to nullifying the results, the court ordered that Makhumula be awarded legal costs for both the Supreme Court proceedings and the earlier High Court case, underscoring the seriousness of its findings.
With the results now voided, authorities are expected to organise a fresh election in Balaka Mulunguzi Constituency and reopen the contest for the parliamentary seat.
