Malawi: Release of presidential election results postponed indefinitely May 26 /update 1

Event

Election-related demonstrations took place in the capital Lilongwe, as well as in other urban centres, notably in Dowa, Mchinji, Chikwawa and, Chitipa on Sunday, May 26, after the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced the release of the May 21 presidential election results would be delayed to a yet-to-determine date. The decision came after the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) opposition party denounced alleged voting irregularities, prompting Malawi's High Court to order the MEC to recount the votes in one third of the country's electoral district. Further such protests are likely across Malawi in the coming hours and days. A heightened security presence and localised disruptions are to be anticipated around any demonstration sites.

Context

General elections were held peacefully throughout Malawi on Tuesday, May 21. According to initial results, incumbent President Peter Mutharika from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), won 40.49 percent of the votes, against his rival from the MCP, Lazarus Chakwera, who obtained 35.44 percent of the votes.

Advice

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