MALAWI: Vote Counting Underway In Various Polling Centres

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

Vote counting has begun in different polling centres across the country after polling officially closed at 4 p.m. yesterday.

Officials from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) have confirmed that the counting process is being carried out in line with electoral laws, with political party representatives and election observers present to monitor the exercise.

So far, the race appears to be dominated by three giants—former President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), and Dr. Dalitso Kabambe of the United Transformation Movement (UTM).

Early tallies from some stations suggest that Mutharika is doing great, with Chakwera and Kabambe trailing behind but still commanding significant support.

In both urban and rural areas, groups of citizens gathered near polling centres, waiting patiently for the results. “We want the process to remain transparent, and we are happy to see that counting is being done openly,” said Mphatso Banda, a voter in Lilongwe.

Representatives of different political parties have also expressed confidence in the process. “We trust MEC to conduct the exercise fairly and transparently,” said a spokesperson from one of the contesting parties.

Preliminary results are expected to start trickling in from some polling stations once the counting is completed. These results will be shared publicly before being compiled at constituency and national tally centres.

MEC has assured Malawians that official results will only be announced once all vote counting, verification, and reconciliation are finalised.