The High Court in Blantyre has thrown out an application by Ras Chikomeni David Chirwa who wanted the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to reduce the K2 million nomination fees.
Chikomeni wanted the court to allow him seek more signatures for his 2019 presidential bid and reduce the K2 million nomination fee.
But on Monday, Judge Jack N’riva ruled that Chikomeni had delayed to bring the matter to court and that the presidential aspirant had enough time to get signatures from voters across the country.
Following the ruling, Chikomeni promised to fight to the end.
Chikomeni filed the application after MEC last month rejected his nomination papers on the grounds that the presidential aspirant failed to meet some requirements.
MEC said Chikomeni failed to pay the presidential nomination fee of K2 million and to raise 10 signatures in each of the country’s 28 districts after he only managed signatories from nine districts.
For the legal action, Chikomeni was assisted by lawyers hired by Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (Chreaa).
The lawyers – Chikondi Chijozi, Mawuya Msuku and Oscar Taulo – submitted to court that the K2 million nomination fee MEC is too exorbitant for most Malawians and it means that only people who are rich can contest for the presidency.
They also argued that the fee infringes on Chikomeni’s right to participate in the electoral process.
