Lilongwe, Malawi – The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) last night gave its tenth update on the tallying and management of results from the country’s September 16 general election, confirming progress in the declaration of presidential votes while noting delays and disputes in some districts.
By 6pm on September 20, 228 out of 229 constituencies had successfully transmitted results to the Results Management System. The remaining Nkhoma Constituency in Lilongwe was held back after the Commission replaced its Constituency Returning Officer. MEC officials confirmed that all results at constituency centres were publicly displayed, with district tally centres compiling summaries for the presidential race.
At council level, 34 of 36 councils had delivered their results to the National Tally Centre by 7pm, leaving Lilongwe and Mangochi outstanding. However, the Commission reported discrepancies in Ntcheu District and decided to quarantine all presidential results from the area pending further investigation.
The Commission also addressed a wave of complaints. Citizens and parties were reminded that grievances must be formally submitted in writing to the Chief Elections Officer via email or directly at MEC headquarters in Lilongwe. Messages sent via WhatsApp or personal contacts will not be considered.
MEC proceeded to declare presidential results from five councils. In Karonga Town, 17,772 valid votes were counted, with former president Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) taking the lead with 8,971 votes, followed by Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) with 4,388 votes.
Zomba City produced 44,566 valid votes, where Mutharika again dominated with 35,536 ballots, leaving Chakwera trailing with 3,472 votes.
Ntchisi District recorded 101,834 valid votes, giving Chakwera a strong showing with 81,635 votes against Mutharika’s 11,365.
In Salima District, out of 123,115 valid votes, Mutharika claimed 60,830, while Chakwera secured 49,443.
Neno District delivered 40,663 valid votes, with Mutharika securing a landslide of 36,607 votes. Chakwera managed 1,370.
MEC said it will continue working around the clock to process, reconcile and confirm results before announcing the final outcome within the legal eight-day deadline. The Commission assured the public that every tally sheet would be verified to maintain credibility and transparency in the electoral process.
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