Malawi: Opposition candidate Lazarus Chakwera declared winner of presidential election rerun June 27 /update 12

Event

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced on Saturday, June 27, that the leader of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Lazarus Chakwera, has won the rerun of the presidential election held on Tuesday, June 23. The Commission stated that Chakwera secured 58.7 percent of the vote, giving him a majority against incumbent President Peter Mutharika, who was seeking a second term. Mutharika had earlier stated that he suspected that the election was subject to irregularities and claimed that monitors from his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had been intimidated and assaulted; however, the MEC dismissed these claims. It is currently unclear if Mutharika intends to legally challenge the result.

Context

The Malawian Constitutional Court annulled Mutharika's victory in the country's May 2019 general election following an appeal by opposition parties citing widespread irregularities during vote counting. Election-related demonstrations were held regularly by opposition groups in the months following the original poll to demand the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Jane Ansah for her alleged mishandling of the elections and to express discontent with President Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Ansah resigned from her position in May 2020, but Mutharika had continued to face widespread public opposition going into last week's election.

Advice

Individuals in Malawi are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests,  and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.