Malawi faces heightened political tension after both the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) claimed victory in the just-concluded general elections, even as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has yet to release official results.
On Wednesday, the MCP issued a statement describing what it called a “resounding mandate” for President Lazarus Chakwera, praising Malawians for their peaceful participation and urging supporters to celebrate with restraint. Party officials stressed that Chakwera’s development agenda had been reaffirmed at the ballot box.
The opposition DPP swiftly countered, with spokesperson Shadric Namalomba accusing the president of clinging to power and insisting that former President Peter Mutharika had won decisively. Namalomba urged Chakwera to “respect the will of the people.”
Rising Anxiety
The rival declarations have stirred confusion across the country, raising fears of potential unrest as citizens await clarity. Unofficial counts circulating in party structures and local media suggest Mutharika is leading in several regions, including urban centres and strongholds traditionally loyal to the ruling party.
The MEC has appealed for calm, reminding the public that only results announced by the commission are valid. Officials confirmed that physical tallying at constituency centres is under way and that electronic transmissions would follow.
Legal Timelines
According to Malawi’s electoral law, the commission has up to eight days to declare presidential results, 14 days for parliamentary outcomes, and 21 days for local government races. The winning presidential candidate must secure over 50 percent of the valid votes cast.
The coming days will determine whether Malawi can navigate this tense moment without sliding into confrontation, as citizens look anxiously to the MEC for the final word.