Malawi could be an African exception on matters of election and presidential rule. The previous 10 months have been groundbreaking for Malawi. After a progression of fights against what many have seen as a defective presidential political race. On February 3 the established court annulled the results of the May 2019 vote because of “serious irregularities”. It later requested another political race to be conducted within 150 days.
Peter Mutharika, the incumbent president, dismissed the ruling, considering it a “serious miscarriage of justice”. There will be a hearing about an appeal case by the Supreme Court from April 15. However, the new elections will proceed, regardless of the result of the appeal case. As of now, no date has been set as Mutharika will not sign into law another constituent bill that was prepared dependent on the court’s decision.
Malawi and its elections in 2019
Meanwhile, the parliament has ruled the Malawi Electoral Commission, who oversaw the May 2019 vote, incompetent. He has suggested their sacking. The insubordination of Malawi’s institutions and their emphasis on securing law-based procedures in the nation have amazed various observers.
In dictatorial tendencies among nations in southern Africa and a proceeding trend among African presidents to overlook constitutions. Also, looks to abolish barriers to re-election, Malawi appears to stand out. So has Malawi become an “African exception” as certain eyewitnesses have claimed? Furthermore, what is behind its existing political crisis?
The court ruling
A great deal has been written on Malawi in the fallout of the notable court ruling. Incorporating unavoidable comparisons with other African nations. Undoubtedly, Malawi’s case may appear to be special. The judiciary and the military have opposed executive pressure and taken care of the issues of public interests reasonably. Be that as it may, for the Malawian setting, it is not extraordinary.
Since Kamuzu Banda, the tyrant who ruled Malawi for 30 years, acknowledged defeat in the 1994 general election, the nation has seen four changes of power. This includes in 2012 when Peter’s sibling, president Bingu wa Mutharika, kicked the bucket in office. His VP, Joyce Banda, took over.
On an attempt to change the constitution
Malawi has likewise figured out how to defeat attempts by presidents to stick on to control contrary to the standard of law. In 2002, President Bakili Muluzi attempted to correct the constitution so he could run for a third term. However, the parliament dismissed his proposition.
Banda’s takeover of the administration was additionally not smooth. A group of ruling party members struggled to obstruct her from being affirmed, with the assistance of various legal counselors and examiners. Unfortunately, the plot didn’t work.
In 2014, Banda herself attempted to cancel an election after she lost to Mutharika. However, her actions were considered unlawful. After the High Court requested the constituent commission to discharge the results, Banda surrendered. Therefore, it is nothing unexpected that the judiciary and the military have stood ground in recent months.
Finally, it is not clear whether there is a cause for celebration in Malawi. The president keeps on opposing the court request, and the impending COVID-19 pandemic will probably crash the process to set up another election.
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