Malawi: Election-related protest in Lilongwe June 4; further likely /update 4

Event

Supporters of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) party marched from the MCP headquarter to the Capital Hill - a complex housing presidency and government offices - in the capital Lilongwe on Tuesday, June 4, to protest alleged fraud during the May 21 presidential elections.

Further election-related protests are likely in the near term. Clashes between rival political supporters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

General elections were held peacefully throughout Malawi on May 21. According to the results released on May 27, incumbent President Peter Mutharika from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured 38.5 percent of the vote over MCP challenger Lazarus Chakwera who obtained 35.4 percent of the vote.

Election-related demonstrations took place in the capital Lilongwe and in other urban centers (including Dowa, Mchinji, Chikwawa, and Chitipa) on May 26 after the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced that the release of presidential election results would be delayed further. The high court issued an injunction blocking the publication of the results amid allegations of election fraud. Further demonstrations by rival political supporters occurred in Lilongwe on May 28. 

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.