The High Court has delivered a major blow to President Peter Mutharika’s plans, blocking his Executive Order to relocate the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from Lilongwe to Blantyre.

President Mutharika: Issued an Executive Order 

In a swift ruling on Thursday, June 5, 2026, Honourable Justice Kenyatta Nyirenda  granted the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and three of its MPs Hon. Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, Hon. Abraham Mwakhwawa, and Hon. Daniel Mwanyongo Chitonya leave to challenge the move through judicial and constitutional review (Case No. 26 of 2026).

The case targets the Chief Secretary’s February 27 directive endorsing the Presidential Order and the Minister of Lands’ April 15 decision to deny the MEC’s tenancy renewal in Lilongwe

Justice Nyirenda immediately stayed both decisions and issued an interlocutory injunction restraining the government, its ministers, and agents from taking any steps to shift the MEC until the full case is heard. Disobeying the order risks contempt of court, with possible fines or imprisonment.

Kenyatta nyirenda: Made the ruling. 

The MCP side has 14 days to file its full papers, after which the matter heads to the Chief Justice for constitutional certification.

The MEC, the vital body running national elections, has seen its independence thrust into the spotlight. Critics viewed the relocation sparked by the President’s Executive Order of October 10, 2025 as a political move that could weaken its autonomy.

Chambulanyina 

For now, the Commission stays in Lilongwe. This early win for the claimants sets the stage for a heavyweight legal battle over separation of powers and electoral integrity.