Election Fraud Arrests in Malawi Amid Ongoing Vote Counting

Tue Sep 23 2025 09:13:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Malawi's police apprehended eight individuals accused of attempting to manipulate election data as the country awaits final results from a closely watched general election.

In Malawi, eight data entry clerks were arrested for alleged electoral fraud as the nation waits for the outcomes of a highly contested general election. The arrests come in the wake of irregularities noted in previous elections and underlines high vigilance from electoral authorities. Results from 36 districts will be revealed soon, with a majority needed for a clear victory.

Police in Malawi have arrested eight individuals for alleged electoral fraud as the country waits for the final results of Tuesday's general election.

Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu has stated that the suspects, who were working as data entry clerks, attempted to manipulate the election figures.

Malawi previously experienced electoral turmoil in 2019 when the highest court annulled then-President Peter Mutharika's victory due to widespread irregularities. As such, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is exercising heightened alertness during this election cycle.

Current unofficial tallies suggest Mutharika is leading the race, followed closely by incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera. As results from Malawi's 36 districts are expected to be released this Saturday, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote; otherwise, a run-off election will be necessary.

Chakwera's Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has filed a complaint with the electoral commission concerning potential irregularities in vote counting, although specifics of these irregularities have not been disclosed.

The MEC has committed to announcing the final results only after comprehensive vote verification to mitigate potential challenges. According to electoral law, the commission has until the end of Wednesday to confirm the final tallies.

In the controversial 2019 election, a court ruled there was significant tampering, including the application of correction fluid on results sheets.

In concurrent elections, Malawians also voted for parliamentary and local representatives amidst an acute economic crisis characterized by shortages of fuel and foreign currency. The inflation rate is nearing 30%, and everyday essentials remain out of reach for many, as a frozen chicken reportedly costs around $20 (£15) in a country where the majority live on $2 a day or less.