Eight Arrested in Malawi Over Election Fraud Allegations

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:10:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Malawi's police have arrested eight individuals suspected of trying to manipulate the results of the recent general elections, highlighting concerns about electoral integrity amidst the country's ongoing political tensions.

In a move to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, police in Malawi have arrested eight data entry clerks for allegedly attempting to manipulate election figures. This comes as the nation awaits final results from the presidential, parliamentary, and local elections, following a politically charged campaign influenced by economic challenges. The electoral commission remains vigilant for irregularities, particularly given past controversies surrounding election results.

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 worked as data entry clerks, were attempting to manipulate the election figures.

The controversy surrounding previous elections looms large, as the country's 2019 election resulted in the annulment of then-President Peter Mutharika's victory due to widespread irregularities.

Currently, official tallies indicate Mutharika is leading, with incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera in second place. The electoral commission is under pressure to ensure transparency and accuracy in the results as they prepare to announce the final tallies.

Chakwera's Malawi Congress Party has also filed complaints regarding irregularities in the counting process, intensifying scrutiny on the electoral commission's methods.

Final results from Malawi's 36 districts are expected by Saturday, with the provision that a candidate must secure more than 50% of the votes to avoid a runoff.

The electoral commission has until the end of Wednesday to announce the final results, a critical deadline following past electoral controversies, including evidence of tampering during the 2019 elections.