Malawi Electoral Commission Warns Parties Against Premature Victory Claims

Rival camps of Chakwera and Mutharika urged to wait for official results as election tensions mount

The chairperson of Malawi’s Electoral Commission, Annabel Mtalimanja, has issued a strong warning to political parties, cautioning them against prematurely declaring electoral victory. Her statement came on Thursday after both the incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera and his predecessor Peter Mutharika’s parties claimed success in Tuesday’s high-stakes elections.

Only Official Results Count

Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe, Mtalimanja emphasised that only the Electoral Commission is legally authorised to announce results. She urged parties to exercise patience and allow the verification process to be completed to avoid disputes over the legitimacy of the final outcome.

Delays in Announcement

Although nearly all votes have been counted, the commission has not yet released official results. Mtalimanja explained that the results will only be made public once all votes are tallied and verified to ensure fairness, transparency, and accuracy. This careful approach, she said, is crucial to prevent challenges in court.

Electoral Thresholds

Under Malawi’s constitution, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright. If no candidate achieves this majority, a run-off election is required. This rule is designed to strengthen democratic legitimacy by ensuring that the winner has broad support across the country.

Lessons From 2019 Election Crisis

The commission’s cautious stance is informed by Malawi’s recent electoral history. The 2019 elections, which initially saw Peter Mutharika declared the winner, were annulled by the Constitutional Court after evidence of widespread irregularities. That landmark ruling set a precedent in Africa for judicial independence and electoral accountability.

Chakwera’s Rise to Power

Following the annulment, a fresh presidential poll was held in 2020. Lazarus Chakwera, then leader of the opposition Malawi Congress Party, secured a decisive victory, winning by a wide margin. His triumph was hailed as a democratic milestone, showcasing the power of electoral justice in Malawi.

Mutharika’s Bid for Comeback

Now 85 years old, Peter Mutharika is seeking a dramatic political comeback. Despite age and controversy, his campaign has drawn support from loyalists who believe he can restore stability. Mutharika argues that under Chakwera’s leadership, Malawi’s economy has deteriorated, leaving many citizens worse off.

Campaign Driven by Economic Woes

Economic hardship has been at the centre of this year’s campaign. With inflation nearing 30%, shortages of fuel and foreign currency have worsened daily life for Malawians. A frozen chicken now costs around $20 (£15) in Lilongwe supermarkets, in a country where the majority of citizens live on less than $2 per day.

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Beyond the Presidency

In addition to choosing their president, Malawians also cast votes in parliamentary and local elections. Analysts note that the performance of smaller parties could shape the balance of power in parliament, influencing governance and the pace of reforms.

Urgency of Patience

Mtalimanja urged all parties and their supporters to demonstrate patience and responsibility, stressing that premature declarations of victory risk inflaming tensions and undermining trust in the democratic process. She reminded political leaders that the credibility of Malawi’s democracy depends on respect for due process.

Awaiting the Verdict

As Malawians wait anxiously for the official announcement, tensions are high but calm has largely prevailed. The final results, expected soon, will determine whether President Chakwera secures a second term or whether Mutharika stages a remarkable return to power. For now, the nation remains on edge, its democratic future hanging on the commission’s official verdict.

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