Malawi: General elections scheduled for May 21

Event

General elections will be held throughout Malawi on Tuesday, May 21. Campaigning for the vote began on March 19 and will continue until Sunday, March 19, and political rallies are expected to be held nationwide in the coming weeks. Some candidates have voiced concerns about disruptions to the campaign period due to Cyclone Idai and many displaced voters who were unable to save their registration card and may not be able to vote. An increase in political events are likely in the coming weeks and low-level electoral violence is also possible. Heightened security measures, particularly around polling stations, and commercial disruptions are anticipated on March 21.

Context

Cyclone Idai hit southern Malawi on March 14-16, killing 60 people and displacing almost 90,000 others. Thousands of people are still living in evacuation camps.

Advice

Individuals in Malawi are advised to monitor the situation, avoid polling station and any public demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.