By Rahim Abdul

State Vice President and Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu (OZAM) presidential candidate Michael Usi has strongly denied reports circulating on social media claiming that he has conceded defeat in the just-ended general elections and congratulated Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

In a brief but firm response  Usi described the claims as “malicious and misleading,” urging Malawians to remain calm and patient as they await official results from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

“That is a total lie. I have not issued any statement about the elections, nor have I congratulated anyone. As of now, MEC has not yet announced the results, and I will only speak when the Commission has declared a winner,” Usi stated.

The clarification comes amid growing tension across the country, as partial, unofficial results continue to leak through social media platforms, creating confusion among voters and fueling political speculation.

During his nationwide campaign, Usi repeatedly stressed the importance of peaceful elections and urged candidates and supporters to accept defeat gracefully if unsuccessful.

He also emphasized that leadership is a service to the people, not a personal entitlement.

However, the Vice President made it clear that while he is committed to peace, he still believes in his chances of securing victory, noting that his party had received overwhelming support in several districts, particularly in the Southern and Eastern regions.

Observers say the 2025 elections are among the most hotly contested in Malawi’s democratic history, with 17 presidential hopefuls vying for the top job. Early unofficial tallies suggest a close race between Dr. Chakwera of MCP, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of DPP, and Michael Usi of OZAM.

Security has been tightened at MEC tally centers in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu following reports of isolated post-election violence in some parts of the country, including Nsanje and Mangochi.