Mutharika refuses to ratify changes to electoral laws

President Peter Mutharika has refused to ratify changes to Malawi’s electoral laws which had been approved by Parliament and were meant to pave the way for fresh elections in May. And in a further worrying development, he fired Malawi Defence Force (MDF) commander Vincent Nundwe. As previously reported in Legalbrief Today, Mutharika on Friday dissolved his Cabinet after his May re-election was annulled over vote-rigging. The Constitutional Court last month ordered a fresh poll within 150 days. Mutharika is attempting to quash the fresh election that would require him to win more than a 50% majority to secure a second term. He has filed an appeal against the court's decision. A report on the Malawi24 site notes that Nundwe has been replaced by Major-General Peter Namathanga. Mutharika also fired the MDF’s deputy commander Clement Namangale.