Malawi election results marred by tech challenges

By Mthulisi Sibanda, Contributor
Johannesburg, 18 Sept 2025
Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission.
Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission.

Technical issues have hampered the release of election results in Malawi, jeopardising the widespread adoption of electronic voting equipment in the Southern African country.

This frustration is exacerbating the mounting tensions following the highly contested election.

Elections were held on Tuesday, and the results were still coming in yesterday amid tension.

The Malawi elections held this week were a high-stakes affair, pitting incumbent Lazarus Chakwera and his Malawi Congress Party against former president Peter Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) addressed the tech concerns, confirming mounting media reports of problems with the network when sending out election results.

"We wish to mention that we have a call centre where all challenges experienced in the field are referred to for support," Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, chairperson of the MEC.

She explained that the commission had deployed technicians closer to the tallying centres to respond to queries, and they were able to rectify and resolve the issues.

"The commission is increasing monitoring of all constituency tally centres to ensure such matters are addressed promptly," Mtalimanja said.

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