Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba has revived a court case over the legality of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary election in Mzimba Central Constituency.
Initially, on May 16, the High Court of Malawi in Mzuzu granted Mumba, an aspirant in the constituency, an ex-parte order requiring MCP to re-conduct primary elections in the area, but this order was also discharged ex-parte by the same court due to “breach of the duty of full and frank disclosure”.
The cases followed the May 11 2025 disputed primary election in which MCP national executive committee (NEC) member Maxwell Thyolera, as presiding officer, declared presidential aide Adamson Mkandawire as winner with 262 votes against five for Mumba.
But now, Mumba, through lawyer Khumbo Soko, has filed a fresh plea to the same court before Judge Justus Kishindo for the matter to be heard inter-partes to exhaust all issues.
A court notice we have seen shows that the matter was supposed to be heard on June 9, but has now shifted to June 13.
Both Soko and lawyer Gift Chimowa, who is representing MCP in the matter, have confirmed the new date.
Soko said they want the matter heard inter-partes so that it is resolved once and for all, but was coy on what resumption of the matter means to dialogue which was supposed to take place between the two sides.
“Basically, we want a fresh primary poll, that the electoral college that was agreed by the parties be used and that there should be a proper notice given to everybody who is otherwise involved,” he said.
Chimowa said the claimants want another order for interim injunction.
“Honestly speaking I can’t say much regarding out of court settlement. I am sure if you engage the party, it may shed more light,” he said.
In a separate interview yesterday, MCP second deputy publicity secretary Ken Msonda said besides Mzimba Central, the party was also yet to conduct primaries in Blantyre Chigumula BCA Club Banana Constituency in Blantyre and re-do Salima South.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Electoral Commission has opened a window for aspiring candidates to start collecting nomination papers ahead of the September 16 polls.
