Malawi judge rejects presidential challenge

A High Court in Malawi has dismissed a bid by the opposition leader, Gwanda Chakuamba, to overturn President Bakili Muluzi's election victory last June.

The ruling led to street celebrations by the president's supporters in the capital, Lilongwe.

The judge, Isaac Mtambo, ruled that the Electoral Commission did not contravene any law when it declared Mr Muluzi the winner.

Opposition lawyers had argued that he had failed to gain the support of more than fifty-per-cent of the registered voters, as required by the constitution. But the judge said the constitution should be interpreted in line with the democratic culture in Malawi, where voting was not compulsory.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service