By Edwin Mauluka

The Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) second official update of presidential results shows former president Peter Mutharika still leading, though incumbent Lazarus Chakwera has cut into his advantage.

On Saturday night, MEC chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja announced results from five councils: Karonga Town, Zomba City, Ntchisi, Salima and Neno. The figures lifted Mutharika’s running total to 203,380 votes, while Chakwera climbed to 153,507. Mutharika had also led in Friday’s first announcement, but Chakwera has since narrowed the margin.

MEC confirmed that results from Ntcheu District remain quarantined due to discrepancies under investigation.

By close of business Saturday, 228 of 229 constituencies had transmitted results electronically, with only Nkhoma in Lilongwe outstanding after its Constituency Returning Officer was replaced. Meanwhile, 34 of 36 district councils had delivered results to the National Tally Centre, leaving only Lilongwe and Mangochi councils pending.

A breakdown of Saturday’s results:

• Karonga Town Council: 26,702 registered; 18,235 voted (68.3% turnout). Chakwera: 4,388; Mutharika: 8,971.

• Zomba City Council: 57,250 registered; 45,185 voted (78.9% turnout). Chakwera: 3,472; Mutharika: 35,536.

• Ntchisi District: 141,799 registered; 104,757 voted (73.9% turnout). Chakwera: 81,635; Mutharika: 11,365.

• Salima District: 186,585 registered; 128,351 voted (68.8% turnout). Chakwera: 49,443; Mutharika: 60,830.

• Neno District: 50,826 registered; 41,433 voted (81.5% turnout). Chakwera: 1,370; Mutharika: 36,607.

“The Commission assures Malawians that no effort will be spared in safeguarding the integrity of the process. Every complaint will be addressed, and every tally sheet cross-checked to reflect the true outcome,” Mtalimanja said, urging patience.

She also confirmed that the United Democratic Front (UDF) has formally requested recounts in several districts.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Police Service has declined to disclose the names or charges against eight MEC data clerks arrested at Nkhoma Constituency Tally Centre following the attempted suicide of its Returning Officer amid suspicions of vote manipulation.