Malawian authorities have arrested eight officials for allegedly attempting to manipulate vote tallies in the country’s high-stakes general election, intensifying public anxiety as the nation awaits official results.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja said among the officials arrested on Friday was the returning officer for Nkhoma constituency who allegedly tried to commit suicide when the issue came to light.
“Eight people have been arrested regarding the same issue and we are still investigating,” police inspector general Merlyne Yolamu confirmed.
She said the eight officials were caught while working with the MEC.
The clerks are accused of trying to alter figures during the data entry process, a development that has reignited fears of electoral fraud in a country still scarred by the annulled 2019 presidential vote.
The arrests come as MEC continues to verify results from the 16 September polls in which Malawians voted for a president, members of parliament and local councillors.
Early tallies suggest former President Peter Mutharika is leading, with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera trailing.
However, the commission has stressed that no final outcome will be declared until all votes are verified.
Under Malawi’s electoral law, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff. MEC has until Wednesday to announce the final results.
The Malawi Congress Party, led by Chakwera, announced on Friday that it has lodged a formal complaint with MEC over unspecified irregularities in the counting process.
Party officials have called for transparency and urged the commission to investigate thoroughly.
The latest developments have heightened tensions in a country where electoral integrity remains fragile.
In 2019, the Constitutional Court annulled Mutharika’s victory after uncovering widespread irregularities, including the use of correction fluid on results sheets – a ruling that led to a historic re-run and reforms in electoral oversight.
JN/APA