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 acting as data entry clerks, were attempting to manipulate electoral figures.
Malawi's 2019 election was marred by controversy when the highest court annulled then-President Peter Mutharika's victory due to widespread irregularities, leading to heightened vigilance by the electoral commission.
Initial tallies suggest Mutharika is currently leading the presidential race, with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera trailing.
More results from Malawi's 36 districts are expected to be released over the weekend. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.
The Malawi Congress Party has filed a complaint with the electoral commission, alleging irregularities in the counting process, though details remain unspecified. Additionally, the United Democratic Front has registered a similar formal complaint citing serious irregularities in multiple tallying centers.
The electoral commission is committed to announcing the final results only once all votes are accurately tallied to avert any future challenges. By law, the commission has until the end of Wednesday to declare the official tallies.
Following a dramatic re-run in 2019 where rampant tampering was identified, including the unauthorized use of correction fluid on results sheets, the stakes are incredibly high for the current election.
Current economic circumstances, including severe fuel shortages and an official inflation rate nearing 30%, have profoundly impacted the electoral landscape, with many voters prioritizing economic issues.
As voters await further announcements, the political milieu remains charged with tension and accusations of malpractice, marking yet another complex chapter in Malawi’s electoral process.
