- Eight data entry clerks have been arrested in Malawi for allegedly attempting to manipulate election results.
- The arrests come as the country awaits final tallies from Tuesday’s presidential, parliamentary, and local elections.
- Early results show former President Peter Mutharika leading, with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera trailing.
- Chakwera’s party has lodged a complaint over alleged irregularities, though details remain unclear.
- The electoral commission has until Wednesday to announce verified results.
- The vote follows a campaign dominated by economic hardship, with inflation nearing 30% and basic goods becoming unaffordable for many.
Malawi’s general election has taken a tense turn as police arrested eight individuals accused of tampering with vote data. The suspects, all data entry clerks, were allegedly caught attempting to manipulate figures while the nation awaits final results from Tuesday’s high-stakes polls.
The arrests have reignited fears of electoral misconduct, especially given the shadow of Malawi’s 2019 election, which was annulled by the courts due to widespread irregularities—including the infamous use of Tipp-Ex on results sheets. That scandal led to a historic re-run, which saw Lazarus Chakwera defeat then-incumbent Peter Mutharika.
Now, the tables may be turning. Preliminary tallies suggest Mutharika is leading the presidential race, with Chakwera in second place. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a run-off will be triggered.
In the meantime, Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party has filed a formal complaint with the electoral commission, citing irregularities in the count. Officials have yet to disclose the nature of those concerns, but the commission insists it will only announce results after all votes are verified to avoid legal challenges.
The stakes are high—not just politically, but economically. Malawi’s election unfolded against a backdrop of deepening crisis. Inflation is hovering near 30%, fuel and foreign currency are scarce, and everyday items like frozen chicken now cost more than many citizens earn in a week.
With results from all 36 districts expected by Saturday and a legal deadline looming on Wednesday, the nation watches anxiously. For Mutharika, 85, a win would mark a dramatic comeback. For Chakwera, 70, it’s a fight to retain power amid mounting pressure.
