Police in Malawi have arrested eight people for alleged electoral fraud as the country waits for the final results of Tuesday's general election.
Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu stated that the suspects, who were working as data entry clerks, attempted to manipulate the figures.
Malawi's 2019 election was marred by controversy when the highest court annulled then President Peter Mutharika's victory, citing widespread irregularities. Consequently, Malawi's electoral commission is on high alert for potential issues. Official tallies suggest Mutharika is leading the race for the presidency, with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera trailing behind.
More results from Malawi's 36 districts are expected to be released on Saturday. A candidate needs to win over 50% of the vote, or a run-off will be conducted.
Meanwhile, Chakwera's Malawi Congress Party has lodged a complaint with the electoral commission, alleging discovered irregularities during the counting process. The specifics of these irregularities have not been disclosed.
The commission plans to announce the election outcome only after all votes have been tallied and verified, minimizing potential challenges to the final results. By law, the electoral commission must announce the final tallies by the end of Wednesday.
Following the 2019 annulled election, a court cited extensive tampering, including the use of Tipp-Ex correction fluid on results sheets.
Chakwera, who won the re-run decisively, is now facing Mutharika’s bid for a political comeback amid economic turmoil characterized by severe fuel and foreign currency shortages.
