Malawi Catches Election Fraudsters: Eight Arrested!

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:07:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a surprising turn of events, Malawi's police have arrested eight individuals allegedly involved in manipulating election results as the nation awaits the final tally from the recent general elections.

As Malawi's political scene heats up, police have detained eight data entry clerks accused of attempting to alter election figures during the general elections held on Tuesday. The move comes as the country remains on high alert after controversies from previous elections. So far, unofficial results show former President Peter Mutharika leading amidst claims of irregularities from competing parties. With the electoral commission set to announce final results by next week, the pressure is on to ensure a fair and transparent process.

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 those detained were data entry clerks, caught attempting to manipulate the election figures.

Malawi's previous election in 2019 was engulfed in controversy after the highest court annulled the victory of then-President Peter Mutharika, citing widespread irregularities. This has left the electoral commission on high alert for potential issues during this election, where unofficial tallies show that President Mutharika is leading against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera.

As the nation awaits results from its 36 districts, candidates need over 50% of the vote to win outright, or a run-off will occur. Both Chakwera's Malawi Congress Party and the United Democratic Front led by Atupele Muluzi have raised complaints of irregularities in the tallying process, suggesting an atmosphere of distrust as votes are counted and verified.

A candidate needs a definitive win to avoid a repeat of the 2019 election debacle, and the electoral commission must announce the final tallies by the end of Wednesday to prevent challenges regarding the outcomes.