Aspiring councillor drags PP to court in Mzuzu

People’s Party (PP) director of political affairs (North) Goodwin Mvula has dragged his party to court for allegedly rigging primary elections for Mchengautuwa West Ward in favour of his opponent.

Mvula contested in the elections on Sunday against Dennis Moyo.

The order restrains the party from recognising Moyo as the PP torchbearer for the ward. The injunction was granted by High Court Judge in Mzuzu Redson Kapindu.

According to Mvula’s affidavit filed in court, the party used various fraudulent tactics, including use of non- party members and children to ensure that Moyo wins the elections. Moyo scooped 525 votes against 504 of Mvula.

“There were a lot of irregularities at Sonda Polling Centre, which, among others, non-party members, including children, were allowed to vote contrary to the rules of the elections and there was no form of identification and the list of party members was not present at the polling centre which brings a lot of suspicion,” reads the affidavit.

The affidavit also states that total votes for aspiring councillors were more than for aspiring MPs, a development that raises questions on the credibility of the results.

“At Sonda, there were 337 total votes for those aspiring to represent PP as ward councillors and there were 268 total votes for those aspiring to represent the People’s Party as members of Parliament, which is very unusual and completely shows that non-party members participated in the voting process…,” reads the affidavit.

PP acting general secretary Paul Maulidi last Thursday said he was yet to be served with the injunction, but said the party will ensure the matter is resolved.

On allegations that children and non-party members took part in the voting, Maulidi said it was news to him, but said the party will investigate the accusations.