By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced that it will only declare the official results of Tuesday’s general election after conducting a thorough tally of both electronic and manual vote counts.
MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja made the statement in Lilongwe during a press briefing held yesterday.
She explained that the decision follows a High Court order issued on Thursday, which directed the Commission to ensure that all votes are carefully verified before results are announced.
Mtalimanja, who also serves as a Judge of the High Court of Malawi, emphasized that the Commission is fully committed to upholding transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
She assured Malawians that both electronic and physical records will be cross-checked to avoid discrepancies and disputes.
According to her, this careful process is essential in building public trust and ensuring that the outcome of the elections reflects the true will of the people.
Mtalimanja further noted that while the tallying process might take longer, it is necessary to protect the integrity of the elections.
She urged political parties, candidates, and the general public to remain calm and patient as MEC undertakes this critical phase of the electoral process.
The chairperson also warned against the spread of unofficial results, stressing that only the Commission has the mandate to release the final outcome.
Observers, both local and international, are expected to monitor the tallying process to ensure fairness and accountability.
MEC reiterated its call for all stakeholders to cooperate and support the Commission’s efforts in delivering a credible and peaceful election.
The Commission concluded by assuring Malawians that the official results will be declared once all verification procedures have been completed without compromise.
The High Court order has reinforced MEC’s responsibility to uphold strict standards of transparency in the 2025 elections.
By requiring a parallel verification of both electronic and manual tallies, the judiciary has introduced an additional safeguard against potential irregularities.
This cautious approach is vital in a political environment where disputes over results can easily escalate into instability.
It not only strengthens public trust but also demonstrates the growing maturity of Malawi’s democratic institutions, where the rule of law and accountability take precedence.
For voters, this means the results they receive are not only accurate but beyond reproach, ensuring that the declared winner commands genuine legitimacy.
In essence, MEC’s decision to delay declaration until every vote is verified reflects a deliberate effort to protect the credibility of the electoral process and preserve peace during this decisive period.
