Atupele, Uladi opt for mediation
The case between United Democratic Front president (UDF) Atupele Muluzi and Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Uladi Mussa is scheduled to go for mediation next week.
Lawyers representing Atupele and Mussa, Jai Banda and Paul Maulidi respectively, confirmed the development in separate interviews on Thursday.
Atupele sued Mussa for uttering unfair remarks on the radio. Mussa spoke in a Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) programme Tiuzeni Zoona aired on April 14 2013.
In his claim, Atupele alleges that Mussa falsified his date of birth and said he (Atupele) was not fit to rule the country. Atupele described the remarks as defamatory.
However, in his defence, Mussa argued that Atupele, being a politician and an aspiring candidate for 2014 elections, is liable to public scrutiny and fair comments about his age, character, experience, ability to public speeches and other attributes relating to a public office like that of President.
Banda said the case will go for mediation.
“We have appointed a mediator who will bring both parties together as a way of trying to resolve the matter. If we fail to agree, then the matter will go back to court,” said Banda.
Initially, the mediation was scheduled to take place on July 16 2013, but has been shifted to July 19 on the defence’s request.
Maulidi also confirmed that the case will go for mediation and that the date has been changed.
“There were a few things that needed formalisation. Some things were not disclosed to us but have just been done now. However, my client is outside the country,” said Maulidi on Thursday.
The road to 2014 elections has seen intensive campaign by various contesting political parties.
So far, Atupele will stand for the UDF whereas President Joyce Banda and Peter Mutharika will lead People’s Party (PP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) respectively.
