Malawian Election Petition Kicks Off

The Constitutional Court of Malawi is hearing an election petition challenging the officially declared results of the polls held in May.

Main opposition candidates Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Saulos Chilima of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) are contesting the re-election of President Mutharika.

Following the May 21 election President Mutharika of the ruling Democratic People’s Party (DPP) was declared the winner with 38.57% of the vote. However, the opposition have alleged voting irregularities and have challenged the impartiality of the country’s electoral commission and its chief Dr Jane Ansah. Any irregularities could prove significant as less than 159,000 votes separated Mutharika and Chakwera.

One of the main concerns raised by the opposition is the use of white-out on results sheets, which have prompted some to call the polls a ‘Tipp-Ex election.’

Since the election a number of public protests have followed, organised by civil society and calling for the resignation of Dr Ansah.

The petition is being broadcast live on TV and radio.