The case has been brought by runner-up Lazarus Chakwera, leader of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), and third-place finisher former Vice-President Saulos Chilima of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), who allege that the poll was rigged. Last week, leading businessman and banker Thomson Mpinganjira, an ally of President Peter Mutharika, was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for attempted bribery of the judges hearing the case.
Donors will keep a close eye on the government’s response to likely protests after the court case verdict.
Potential increased budgetary deficits and government borrowing will call into question future donor credit and budgetary support.
An opposition victory will buoy regional activists but prove an unwelcome distraction for the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
