from MAVHUTO BANDA in Lilongwe, Malawi
Malawi Bureau
LILONGWE, (CAJ News) – MALAWI appears headed for a contested poll outcome, with unofficial results indicating both leading candidates, incumbent, Lazurus Chakwera, and rival, Peter Mutharika, both holding a healthy lead.
However, Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has claimed its candidate has won, without providing the figures, setting the stage for a major showdown towards the official announcement.
By afternoon, some results suggested provincially, Chakwera had secured a commanding lead with 42,8 percent of the votes.
Chakwera of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was said to be at 34,2 percent.
Another unofficial agency had by midday been placed at a seemingly comfortable lead at 56, ruling out prospects of a re-run.
Amid the interparty temperatures rising, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) appealed for unity and seems to be closely monitoring the situation.
“Elections are a competition, but at the heart of this process is the unity and stability of our nation,” said Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, MEC chairperson.
“Let us remember that Malawi is bigger than individual ambitions, and as such, we must guard our peace jealously as we await the official results from the commission.”
Mtalimanja said the electoral agency was working closely with the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force to ensure that all tallying centres across the country weresafe, secure and operating without interruption.
More than 7,2 million Malawians were registered to vote. Voter turnout was over 64,7 percent.
– CAJ News