By Edwin Mauluka

Malawi’s Election Day opened under the shadow of possible blackouts, after the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (Escom) warned it may cut power to protect the counting and transmission of results.

Escom CEO Kamkwamba Kumwenda, speaking at a press briefing Monday, blasted companies for refusing to scale back operations on the public holiday.

“Some companies are refusing to reduce operations. Escom may be forced to cut power in some areas to ensure results are transmitted quickly and without disruption,” Kumwenda said.

The warning comes even as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declared full readiness for today’s General Elections.

MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, after touring polling and tallying centres in Lilongwe with Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi, said she was satisfied that all equipment and staff were in place. Poll worker training was also completed on Monday.

Malawi’s power sector already struggles with vandalism and chronic shortages of electricity generation, adding fresh uncertainty to an already tense election day.