On August 6, High Court Judge Howard Pemba will issue a ruling on a significant legal challenge involving the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

The case revolves around a recent decision by the MCP to restrict National Executive Committee (NEC) candidacy to members who have been with the party for a minimum of two years and have held a prior position.

Complainant Eddie Banda, through his lawyer Khumbo Soko, argues that this new rule is contrary to the MCP’s constitution and the Political Parties Act.

Soko has requested that the court nullify the NEC’s resolution, contending that it is legally flawed and unjust.

MCP’s legal representative, Abson Chitukula, argues that the matter is inherently political and should not be subject to judicial review.

He believes that such disputes should be handled within the party’s own structures or through its convention.

Chitukula has requested the court to dismiss the case, advocating for Banda to use the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before resorting to legal action.

As the ruling date approaches, the outcome of this case remains crucial for both the MCP’s internal dynamics and the broader political landscape.