DPP in fresh court battle
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has obtained an injunction restraining its national governing council (NGC) member Nicholas Dausi from granting media interviews in the capacity of party publicity secretary.
The DPP, according to a copy of the court order we have seen, argues that Dausi had excused himself from working in that capacity.
The order granted by High Court of Malawi Judge Simeon Mdeza in Lilongwe shows that the statement in support of the application was done by DPP organising secretary Chimwemwe Chipungu.
Dausi is the first defendant while Times Television, where he granted an interview aired Saturday evening, is the second defendant.
It reads: “This is interlocutory injunction made against the defendant on the 8th of July 2023 by the Honourable Justice S. Mdeza on the application of the claimant. The judge read the sworn statement of Chimwemwe Chipungu listed in Schedule A.
“This order was made at a hearing without notice to the defendants. The defendants have a right to apply to the court to vary or discharge the order.”
The order further indicates that Dausi had excused himself from acting as publicity secretary for the DPP.
Further reads the order: “Until a further order of the court, the 2nd defendant by themselves or by their agents or whomsoever be restrained from advertising that they are going to have an interview with the first defendant on 8th and 9th July in his capacity as publicity secretary for the claimant when when the 1st defendant excused himself from performing duties of the said position until a further order of the court.”
Dausi’s sentiments in the interview followed a decision by some DPP NGC members who last week endorsed former president Peter Mutharika to be the party’s torchbearer in the 2025 Tripartite Elections.
Besides endorsing Mutharika, the NGC also set dates for the party’s two conventions, namely extraordinary convention to amend the constitution in December this year and an elective conference next July.
But Dausi is apparently not amused with how Mutharika was endorsed and is also against the decision to adopt a new constitution which he argues has many flaws.
Earlier, Zomba Chisi legislator Mark Botomani said the NGC meeting was not democratic.
He said: “On the functional review report, people were not given a chance to ask questions. This may divide the party further because we know some candidates have been campaigning and it’s not easy to just let go of such a support base.
When contacted yesterday, Dausi said the matter is being handled by his lawyer.
“I will not comment as the matter is legal and being handled by my lawyer,” he said.
In July 2018, the DPP elected Dausi as the party’s publicity secretary, beating then minister of Labour Francis Katsaila and political nomad Kenneth Msonda to the post.
Dausi also held the same position when former president Bingu wa Mutharika appointed him during his reign.
However, soon after DPP lost the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election held on June 23 2020, the party announced that Mangochi South West legislator Shadric Namalomba was spokesperson for both Mutharika and DPP.
