By Pemphero Malimba:
The High Court in Lilongwe has granted an interlocutory injunction to suspended Malawi Congress Party (MCP) chairperson for Lilongwe City Bwaila Constituency Frackson Chitheka Banda, stopping MCP and its regional chairperson for the Centre Patrick Zebron Chilondola from suspending him.
Justice Howard Pemba granted the injunction on Monday.
Among other orders, Pemba said MCP is prohibited from recognising Chilondola’s decision until the matter is determined.
The judge also directed the claimant to file inter partes summons for the commencement of a full trial within 14 days.
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He further said that the defendants may apply to vary or discharge the order, provided the plaintiff’s legal practitioner is informed in writing at least 48 hours in advance.
MCP Director of Legal Affairs George Jivason Kadzipatike said the party had not yet been served with the court order.
“I will comment after reviewing the documents and consulting Honourable Chilondola and the party leadership,” Kadzipatike said.
In the case, Chitheka Banda is the claimant while Chilondola is the first defendant with MCP as the second defendant.
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Chilondola recently suspended Chitheka Banda for allegedly contravening party rules.
“You do not have the power to dismiss a party election candidate. You also do not have the power to speak to journalists without permission,” Chilondola wrote in a letter dated May 4, 2026.
This followed remarks by Chitheka Banda that the party had considered replacing its candidate for the Lilongwe City Bwaila Constituency parliamentary by-election scheduled for June 30, 2026, Precious Kabambe.
Chitheka Banda had told journalists that Kabambe breached Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) regulations and party laws and alleged he had undermined party leadership during the campaign.
MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda said the party had maintained Kabambe as its candidate for the election.
Mec is expected to hold the by-election following the nullification of the September 16, 2025 parliamentary election results.
