Police in Malawi have arrested eight people accused of trying to tamper with election results as the nation waits anxiously for the outcome of Tuesday’s general elections.
The suspects, who worked as data entry clerks, were allegedly caught attempting to manipulate vote counts, according to the country’s police chief.
This year’s vote has brought back memories of the 2019 election, which was thrown out by the courts after widespread irregularities were uncovered, including altered results sheets. That ruling forced a historic re-run that propelled Lazarus Chakwera into the presidency.
Now, the electoral commission is under intense scrutiny. So far, early tallies suggest former president Peter Mutharika is in the lead, with Chakwera trailing in second place. However, officials have warned that no candidate should declare victory until all votes are officially verified.
Malawi’s election law requires a candidate to win more than 50% of the vote to avoid a run-off. Full results from all 36 districts are expected to be announced by Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party has filed a complaint with the electoral commission, citing irregularities in the counting process. Officials have not disclosed details of the allegations.
The stakes are high in a country struggling with one of its worst economic crises in recent years. Inflation is nearing 30%, foreign currency reserves are depleted, and basic goods like fuel and food have become painfully expensive. In the capital, Lilongwe, a frozen chicken now costs around $20 — in a nation where most people survive on less than $2 a day.
At 85, Mutharika is seeking a dramatic comeback, while 70-year-old Chakwera hopes to retain power despite growing public frustration over economic hardship. Alongside the presidential race, Malawians also cast their ballots for parliamentary and local representatives.
For many voters, the outcome will not only decide the country’s next leader but also determine how Malawi confronts its deepening economic challenges.