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LILONGWE – Malawian police have arrested eight individuals accused of attempting to manipulate the results of the country’s closely watched general election held on Tuesday. The suspects, who were working as data entry clerks, are alleged to have tried to tamper with figures as vote counting continues.
Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu confirmed the arrests, stating the suspects had “been trying to manipulate the figures.” The incident has raised tensions in a nation still deeply scarred by the annulled 2019 presidential election, which was overturned by the highest court due to widespread irregularities.
The electoral commission remains on high alert. Latest official tallies place former President Peter Mutharika in the lead, with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera trailing in second. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.
The election has been dominated by severe economic concerns, with inflation nearing 30% and chronic shortages of fuel and foreign currency plaguing the southern African nation.
Meanwhile, Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party has lodged a formal complaint with the electoral commission, alleging unspecified irregularities in the counting process. The United Democratic Front has also filed a complaint, citing “serious irregularities in multiple tallying centres,” though without immediately providing public evidence.
The electoral commission has stated it will only announce final results after all votes are tallied and verified to avoid legal challenges. By law, the commission has until the end of Wednesday to declare the outcome.
Malawians also voted for parliamentary and local representatives in an election viewed as a critical test for the nation’s democracy amid pressing economic hardship.
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