Former President Peter Mutharika has taken a commanding lead in Malawi’s presidential election, securing approximately 66 percent of the votes counted so far, according to provisional results from two-thirds of the country’s districts.
Results released by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) as of Tuesday put incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera at just 24 percent of the vote tally in a dramatic reversal that has seen Mutharika outperform in regions traditionally loyal to his rival.
The MEC is expected to announce final results by Wednesday, following the 16 September vote.
At least 12 districts are yet to declare, including rural areas around Lilongwe and Dedza where Chakwera’s camp hopes to recover ground.
Two districts where Mutharika is projected to perform strongly have had their results temporarily withheld pending verification.
A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a run-off.
Chakwera’s team has called for a “physical audit” of results, citing unspecified irregularities.
Police have arrested eight data entry clerks accused of attempting to manipulate vote tallies.
The commission has pledged transparency and accuracy, mindful of the 2019 election controversy when Mutharika’s initial victory was annulled by the constitutional court due to irregularities.
Chakwera decisively won the 2020 re-run but his presidency has been marred by economic turmoil, including soaring inflation, fuel shortages and persistent power outages.
JN/APA