Election Controversy in Malawi: Eight Arrested for Alleged Fraud

Mon Sep 29 2025 01:39:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Following Malawi's recent general elections, eight individuals, including data entry clerks, were arrested on suspicion of manipulating electoral results, raising concerns about credibility in leadership amid economic crisis.

Malawi's police have apprehended eight individuals suspected of manipulating electoral results during the general elections. This comes as the nation awaits final results, with Peter Mutharika currently leading against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera. The regulatory body is on high alert following previous election fraud incidents and has stated that results will be announced only after full verification.

Police in Malawi have arrested eight people for alleged electoral fraud as the country waits for the final results of Tuesday's general election.

Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu stated that the suspects, who were working as data entry clerks, were attempting to manipulate electoral figures. This incident has raised alarms in a country recovering from the controversy surrounding the annulment of the 2019 elections due to widespread irregularities.

The current election results show that former President Peter Mutharika is leading against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, prompting the electoral commission to remain vigilant amid reports of irregularities. Chakwera's Malawi Congress Party has filed a complaint regarding discrepancies in the counting process, details of which have not been disclosed.

Voter anxieties are heightened as citizens recall the earlier annulment of Mutharika's victory where evidence of tampering, including the use of Tipp-Ex correction fluid on result sheets, emerged. The electoral commission has until the end of Wednesday to announce verified results to maintain legitimacy.

Malawians also participated in parallel parliamentary and local elections, with the backdrop of a severe economic crisis that has seen a sharp rise in inflation, affecting daily living. Voters await the final tally, hoping for an election development that ensures integrity and trust in their democratic processes.