Election Integrity at Risk: Eight Arrested in Malawi Amid Fraud Allegations

Sat Oct 11 2025 06:30:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a tense political climate, Malawi's police have detained eight individuals connected to suspected electoral fraud as the country awaits the final results of its general elections, sparking concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

Malawi's police have arrested eight data entry clerks who allegedly attempted to manipulate election figures as the nation awaits presidential election results. The arrests come during a time when previous elections faced scrutiny over integrity. Reports suggest incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera trails behind former President Peter Mutharika, prompting complaints from Chakwera's party regarding irregularities in the counting 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 the suspects, who were working as data entry clerks, were attempting to manipulate the election figures.

The 2019 election in Malawi was overshadowed by controversy when the highest court annulled then-President Peter Mutharika's victory due to widespread irregularities, leading to heightened vigilance from the electoral commission this time around.

So far, preliminary results indicate Mutharika is ahead, with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera trailing in second place. The official tallies will continue to unfold, with results from 36 districts expected by Saturday.

Chakwera's Malawi Congress Party has reported irregularities in the counting process and filed a complaint with the electoral commission as it awaits definitive outcomes.

Given the tumultuous history of elections in Malawi, the commission plans to release the final results only after thorough verification to avoid legal challenges.

Notably, the commission has a deadline until the end of Wednesday to announce the results.

In the past, Mutharika's victory was overturned amidst claims of extensive tampering, underscoring the deep concern over election integrity in Malawi.

The current election coincides with a larger economic crisis in Malawi, where inflation is nearing 30% and essential goods have become increasingly unaffordable for the population.