DPP Scores Legal Victory as Court Nullifies Balaka Mulunguzi Parliamentary Results

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has secured a major legal victory after the Supreme Court of Appeal nullified the parliamentary election results for Balaka Mulunguzi Constituency, effectively removing Ireen Mambala from her position as Member of Parliament.

The landmark ruling, delivered by a nine-judge panel led by Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, follows an appeal lodged by DPP candidate James Makhumula.

In its judgment, the court found that the High Court had erred in its evaluation of evidence presented by Makhumula, ruling that there was a prima facie case showing the election was compromised by irregularities—particularly in the recording and management of results.

“The court further noted that the Malawi Electoral Commission failed to satisfactorily explain these discrepancies,” reads part of the ruling.

As a result, Mambala, who had initially been declared winner by the electoral body, ceases to be an MP with immediate effect.

Reacting to the decision, Makhumula’s lawyer, Khumbo Bonzoe Soko, described the judgment as a significant affirmation of electoral justice.

“This is a sound judgment in every sense. It reinforces the principle that elections are not only about numbers, but also about the integrity of the process. The numerous discrepancies in the documents clearly showed that the results announced by MEC lacked credibility,” he said.

The court has also ordered that Makhumula be awarded legal costs for both the Supreme Court proceedings and the earlier High Court case.

The ruling paves the way for a by-election in Balaka Mulunguzi Constituency.