The High Court has rejected a request by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-president for the Southern Region and Secretary-General Grezelder Jeffrey that it should order the party to conduct an early convention.

DPP’s Director of Legal Affairs Charles Mhango has confirmed of the development in an interview with the press.

According to Mhango, the court also declined the two’s request that it should declare that former President Peter Mutharika is no longer president of the party.

The court has, however, granted Nankhumwa and Jeffrey’s request that they should return to their positions.

The development means Nankhumwa will continue serving as DPP Vice President for the South while Jeffrey wa Jeffrey will remain DPP Secretary General.