President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has officially congratulated Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, for securing victory in the recently concluded presidential elections, while urging the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to thoroughly investigate reported irregularities, including inflated voter figures in some districts.
In a nationally televised address from Kamuzu Palace, Dr. Chakwera expressed gratitude to Malawians for their support during his term and throughout the election period. “I will forever remain thankful for your confidence and support,” he said, acknowledging both those who supported his re-election bid and those who voted for change.
Despite Dr. Chakwera conceding to fiercest political rival for the last five years, the electoral process has been thrown into fresh turmoil following revelations that the votes tallied by the MEC exceed the number of people who actually turned out to vote on September 16.
According to official MEC updates from 24 out of the country’s 36 electoral councils, a total of 3,083,003 votes have so far been tallied. Nationwide turnout data released earlier showed that 4.6 million Malawians cast their votes out of 7.2 million registered voters.
A MEC insider revealed that after adding up all the votes at the Main Tally Centre including the 12 remaining councils it was discovered that the final figure ballooned to more than 5.6 million, more than one million above actual voter turnout.
This discrepancy led to MEC to halt the process and announcing cancellation of the daily updates which has now been set at 2pm this afternoon. Observers have branded this as “statistical daylight robbery” and have called for a full investigation and even nullification of the entire election.
The suspicions has gained further weight following reports that residents in Lilongwe’s Mgona Township apprehended a man found in possession of already-marked ballot papers.
Witnesses told The Pangolin Online that the man failed to explain how the ballot papers, pre-marked in favor of the DPP candidate, were not among those delivered to the constituency tally centre, as required by law.
“The ballots were not sealed with the official batch. This is proof that something sinister was in motion,” one witness said. “We cannot trust this election anymore.”
Police later took the suspect into custody, but neither MEC nor law enforcement has issued a detailed statement on the matter.
As of MEC’s update Monday evening, results from 24 councils put Mutharika in a commanding, though increasingly suspicious, lead:
- Arthur Peter Mutharika (DPP): 2,022,879 votes (65.6%)
- Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera (MCP): 732,575 votes (23.8%)
- Dalitso Kabambe (UTM): 146,664 votes (4.8%)
- Others: 180,885 votes (5.9%)
Dr. Chakwera stated that the validated results from 24 councils clearly showed Professor Mutharika with an insurmountable lead, with results from 12 councils still pending. He said he personally called Mutharika to congratulate him on his “historic victory” and expressed his readiness to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power.
“I am fully committed to ensuring a seamless transition that safeguards our nation’s peace, order, institutions, public services, and constitutionalism,” Dr. Chakwera said, noting that instructions have already been issued for state residences and administrative processes to be prepared for the incoming administration.
While commending MEC for the management of the elections, particularly Chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, Dr. Chakwera emphasized that the Commission’s work extends beyond announcing results.
He highlighted that MEC has a legal duty to identify and address any electoral irregularities transparently and hold accountable those responsible.
“Various political parties, including my own, have brought to MEC’s attention a number of irregularities. The Commission itself also noted anomalies in some districts, leading to quarantined results pending further clarification,” Dr. Chakwera said.
He described the irregularities as similar to “foul play in sports,” explaining that while they do not necessarily undermine the credibility of the election outcome, they must be fully investigated and accounted for.
Dr. Chakwera had previously petitioned the High Court to require MEC to resolve these anomalies before announcing the final results, but the Court allowed MEC to address the issues during its final briefing, a decision the outgoing President said he respected.
“Going forward, I call on all Malawians to support the incoming President, Professor Mutharika, as he leads our nation toward prosperity. Success depends on unity and collective effort for Malawi’s development,” Dr. Chakwera urged.
He concluded by pledging to continue contributing to Malawi’s democracy and development and directed his party to begin transitioning leadership in preparation for future success.
President Chakwera’s address comes at a critical moment, as Malawians await MEC’s final announcement, with expectations that the Commission will provide a transparent account of the reported electoral anomalies and how they were resolved.
