Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-04-18 06:28:56
By Pemphero Malimba:
Chief Justice (CJ) Rizine Mzikamanda emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to efficiently handling election disputes during a debriefing session of the Supreme Court of Appeal in Lilongwe. He highlighted the importance of professionalism, independence, and impartiality in resolving election disputes in accordance with the law. Mzikamanda pointed to Kenya as a global leader in electoral matters and a potential partner for knowledge exchange.
The CJ expressed satisfaction with the Judiciary’s management of disputes in previous elections, including the 2019 polls that led to the court-ordered June 23, 2020 presidential election. He acknowledged the need for continuous improvement in handling election cases and mentioned ongoing efforts to collect reports on past election-related court cases.
“We are working on compiling law reports to ensure consistency in handling these cases. By December this year, we aim to have all the reports digested to enhance the overall approach to electoral dispute resolution,” Mzikamanda explained. Additionally, a special committee has been established to address election-related issues effectively.
Drawing lessons from Kenya, Mzikamanda highlighted the importance of an internal Judiciary election committee to provide guidance on managing election cases. This committee will play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent and transparent approach to resolving election disputes.
In attendance at the debriefing session were officials from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), including Chairperson Judge Chifundo Kachale. Kachale emphasized the need for the Judiciary to reflect on their performance in handling 2019 election cases and identify opportunities for improvement.
“This forum provides a unique opportunity for the Judiciary to assess their past performance and explore measures to enhance the management of electoral disputes,” Kachale noted. The event also attracted judges, justices, and officials from the Judiciary of Kenya, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration among key stakeholders.
Overall, the Judiciary in Malawi is dedicated to upholding standards of professionalism and fairness in handling election disputes. By learning from global best practices, such as those observed in Kenya, and through internal reforms, the Judiciary aims to enhance its capacity to manage election-related cases effectively. As they continue to build on their past successes, the Judiciary remains committed to ensuring justice and integrity in the electoral process.
Read the original article on The Times
