Introduction from The Nation of Monday, 22 May
2000
On June 15, 1999, Malawians cast
their votes in a general election, the second since the country adopted
pluralist politics. UDF candidate Bakili Muluzi emerged the Winner and
Electoral Commission chair Supreme Court Judge James Kalaile declared him
such. But the MCP’s Gwanda Chakuamba, Kamlepo Kalua of the MDP and Conu’s
Bishop Daniel Mnkhumbwe were not satisfied with the result. They challenged
Muluzi’s legitimacy in the High Court in a case, which has had the nation
on tenterhooks for months on end. Last Friday, the court sitting in Lilongwe
put to rest doubts, which hang over the Electoral Commission’s declaration
of Muluzi as winner when Judge Isaac Mtambo upheld Judge Kalaile’s decision.
Following is the full verdict as delivered by Judge Mtambo:
High Court Ruling on 1999 Presidential Election
Case Ruling Content obtained from
Copyright The Nation Newspaper Malawi
SDNP