Malawi court nullifies presidential vote, orders new one

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — The Constitutional Court in the southern African nation of Malawi has nullified the results of last year’s presidential election. It cited “widespread, systematic and grave” irregularities including significant use of correction fluid to alter the outcome. A new vote should occur within 150 days. The two leading opposition candidates had challenged the narrow election win of President Peter Mutharika. Monday’s ruling can be appealed to the Supreme Court but it is not immediately clear if the president or electoral commission will do so. Long-peaceful Malawi is just the second country in sub-Saharan Africa to see a presidential vote overturned.