LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court has dismissed the state’s bid to cross-examine former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioner Jean Mathanga.
The case involves a judicial review filed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), UTM, and other stakeholders challenging the management of the upcoming elections.
The judicial review specifically challenges three decisions made by the MEC.
These include the denial of access to audit Electronic Management Devices (EMDs), unilateral rulings on voter identification procedures, and the adoption of electronic results transmission.
Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda had requested the court to allow cross-examination of Mathanga, who is referenced in the claimant’s affidavit.
The court, however, dismissed this request, effectively preventing Mathanga from being questioned in the ongoing proceedings.
The substantive hearing of the case is scheduled to resume this afternoon.
The High Court’s ruling to dismiss the state’s bid to cross-examine a former MEC commissioner marks a significant development in pre-election litigation.
By rejecting the request, the court maintains a focus on the broader judicial review rather than individual testimonies, potentially streamlining the resolution of key election management issues.
As Malawi approaches its upcoming elections, the case highlights ongoing concerns from political parties regarding transparency, electoral procedures, and the use of technology in the voting process.
Observers will closely follow the substantive hearing this afternoon, as its outcome could influence both public confidence in MEC and the conduct of the elections themselves.
