Malawi: Constitutional Court annuls Mutharika’s 2019 presidential election win February 3 /update 1

Event

The Malawian Constitutional Court in Lilongwe annulled Peter Mutharika's 2019 presidential election victory on Monday, February 3, upholding an application submitted by opposition parties. A new presidential vote must be held within 150 days, according to the court.

Associated protests are possible in Malawi over the coming days amid a heightened security presence. Transportation and business disruptions are to be expected around demonstration sites.

Context

Election-related demonstrations organized by opposition supporters have been held regularly since May 26, 2019, after voting irregularities were reported during the May 21 general elections. Demonstrators have been calling for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah, accusing her of mishandling the presidential elections, in addition to growing discontent among protesters with President Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as a whole.

Advice

Individuals in Malawi are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests, anticipate disruptions to transportation and business and a heightened security presence near demonstration sites, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.