By The Forum

Presidential hopefuls Kondwani Nankhumwa of the People’s Development Party (PDP) and independent candidate Adil Chilungo have conceded defeat as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) continues tallying votes from the September 16 general elections.

Nankhumwa said preliminary results from tally centres across the country showed his party was out of contention.

“Like in every competition, there can only be one winner. Preliminary results indicate that PDP will not carry the crown in this election. We accept this reality with humility,” he said.

“To our supporters, we say this: keep calm, keep faith, and keep believing. By contesting in this election, PDP has not only learned but also shown it has a place in shaping the future of this country. When MEC officially announces the winner, PDP will duly congratulate that winner.”

He added, however, that the PDP will lodge a complaint with MEC after observing irregularities during the process.

Chilungo also bowed out, saying monitors in all tally centres had been feeding him with information, including unofficial results aired by media houses.

“This informed me that I can’t be the next president, therefore, I have decided to accept the results,” Chilungo said. He attributed his poor showing to inadequate funds to mount a robust campaign.

Both Nankhumwa and Chilungo indicated plans to run again in future elections. Their exit brings to five the number of presidential candidates who have bowed out before all ballots are tallied.

Seventeen candidates entered this year’s contest, with former president Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party and incumbent Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party emerging as the two front-runners.