Judge sees ‘serious issues’ of disputes in MCP

High Court Judge Chifundo Kachale has said there are serious disputes over Malawi Congress Party (MCP) holding a convention to elect its leadership and has advised that witnesses must be tried orally and be cross-examined.

Some MCP members wanted to hold a convention to remove the party president Lazarus Chakwera who is accused of nepotism in his selection of party leaders and inconsistency in implementing the party’s constitution.

However, Kachale later set aside the application.

Initially, the case, which was held in chambers on Tuesday, was going to hear affidavits of the applicants who would then be cross-examined.

However, after careful consideration, Kachale ruled that all members, who are more than eight, must be heard orally and be cross-examined.

Lawyer representing MCP, Wapota Kita, confirmed the development and said the matter has been moved to  July 11, and is expected to run up to the 13th.

“On these days, we are going to hear the witnesses testify and we will cross-examine them based on what they will say. The judge feels the case has some serious issues of disputes and cannot proceed,” Kita said.

Lawyer representing the applicants, Wesley Namasala, refused to comment when contacted.

The disgruntled members have been holding press conferences telling members of the public that some members of the party have been holding their positions unconstitutionally, allegations that MCP has refuted. n