Peace talks over poll dispute

A group of politicians from Malawi arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, at the weekend to explore ways of resolving the long-running dispute over elections last June which opposition parties claim were rigged by the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) of President Bakili Muluzi. Humphrey Mvula, who is leading the inter-party group, told IRIN their mission aimed to exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of South Africa. He said they would meet politicians and representatives of South African non-governmental organisations. The group includes members of the ruling UDF, the opposition coalition of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), the United Party (UP) as well as members of civic organisations. Diplomatic sources said they hoped to end a deadlock over the election results which opposition parties have taken to the Supreme Court. "Whichever way the court rules on the election dispute, there will be parties who won't agree with the ruing," Mvula said. "We aim to establish the basis of engaging in dialogue that will lead to unity despite our differences. Our mission is not going to discuss the court case issue, but we will examine the dispute and ways of better addressing it." Malawi's closely contested election results were challenged by the MCP/AFORD coalition as soon as they were released, with the coalition arguing that they had been robbed of victory both in the parliamentary and presidential polls. Muluzi won 51 percent of the presidential votes, while his opponent, Gwanda Chakuamba of the MCP/AFORD coalition polled 44 percent. Violent clashes followed Muluzi's swearing-in for the second five-year term, and mosques and businesses linked to UDF supporters were destroyed by angry opposition supporters, who called for the recount of votes. In November last year, the Supreme Court ordered the Electoral Commission to produce voting materials in 15 of the country's 21 districts to the opposition coalition for inspection. The coalition had argued in court papers that votes were rigged in the 15 districts, which gave the UDF a "fraudulent" victory. The court will reconvene on 21 February to hear argument from both the UDF and the opposition alliance.