Police in Malawi have arrested eight people on suspicion of electoral fraud as the country awaits the final results of Tuesday’s presidential, parliamentary, and local elections.
Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu confirmed that the suspects, employed as data entry clerks, were allegedly attempting to manipulate vote tallies.
The arrests come against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny, following the annulment of the 2019 presidential election in which the Constitutional Court overturned Peter Mutharika’s victory, citing widespread irregularities.
So far, official tallies suggest Mutharika, 85, is leading the presidential race, with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera in second place.
The Malawi Electoral Commission has urged patience, stressing that results will only be announced once all votes are verified to avoid disputes. By law, the commission has until Wednesday to release the final outcome.
Meanwhile, Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party has lodged a complaint with the commission, alleging irregularities in the count, though details have not been disclosed. The United Democratic Front, led by Atupele Muluzi, has also filed a complaint, claiming “serious irregularities in multiple tallying centres.”
The election has unfolded amid severe economic hardship, with inflation near 30% and shortages of fuel and foreign currency.
Many Malawians say the rising cost of living, including basic goods such as food, was a central issue in the campaign.
If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, the election will head to a run-off.
