Mzimba Hora, a constituency in northern Malawi, is caught in a web of uncertainty as embattled lawmaker Martha Ngwira digs in her heels, refusing to concede despite her election being nullified due to vote-buying scandals.
The High Court’s damning verdict, which declared her September 2025 win invalid, has been met with a Supreme Court stay order, effectively putting the brakes on the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) plans to hold a by-election.
Ngwira’s actions have sparked outrage among constituents, who feel justice is being delayed, and development stalled.
Read More
The lawmaker’s decision to appeal the High Court ruling, rather than concede, has raised eyebrows, with critics accusing her of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of Mzimba Hora constituents.
“Martha Ngwira is playing games with our future,” fumed Agnes Chisomo, a local resident.
“We’ve waited long enough for development; now she’s blocking our chance to elect a leader who can deliver,” she added.
The High Court’s nullification of Ngwira’s win was a scathing indictment of the electoral process, citing “compromised voting processes” and “cash distribution to voters.”
Despite this, Ngwira’s lawyer has indicated plans to appeal, arguing the decision was unfair. The Supreme Court’s stay order has thrown the constituency into limbo, with MEC announcing by-elections for five constituencies, including Mzimba Hora, initially set for March 17, 2026.
As Ngwira enjoys the perks of office, constituents are left wondering when they will get a chance to elect a representative who’ll champion their cause.
“It’s like she’s above the law. Mzimba Hora deserves better; it’s time for change,” said James Banda, a local development enthusiast.
The stay order has also raised concerns about the integrity of Malawi’s electoral process.
“If politicians can buy their way into office and drag out the process, what’s the point of democracy?” asked Banda.
As the court battle rages on, Mzimba Hora’s residents are left to ponder their future. Will Ngwira’s tactics succeed, or will the people demand change? One thing’s certain: the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking.