In March the commission disqualified Muluzi from standing for
presidency because he had already hit a two-term limit, after serving
from 1994 to 2004.
Muluzi argues that the term limits apply only to consecutive terms, and
that he should be allowed to run again in the May 19 race.
The commission said it had taken into consideration the spirit of the
law, which was meant to prevent presidents from holding the job for
life.
In 1971, Malawi’s first post independence leader, Kamuzu Banda declared
himself president for life of the impoverished southern African country
and ruled for over three decades.
Kalekeni Kaphale, one of the lawyers for Muluzi, also said the former
leader was "denied the right to be heard before the commission made a
decision on the rejection."
The case is only one of Muluzi’s legal problems. He also faces graft
charges over the alleged theft of $12-million (about R100-million) in
aid money during his time in office.
The prosecution was launched by his successor President Bingu wa
Mutharika, who has initiated a sweeping anti-corruption campaign since
coming to power.
IOL/ Agence France Presse (AFP)
Post published in: Zimbabwe News