MCP cries foul, DPP hits back as MEC reprimands all

By Edwin Mauluka

The ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are trading fierce accusations of vote rigging as results from the September 16 elections trickle in. MCP claims DPP bribed polling officials and inflated electronic tallies, while DPP dismisses the charges as “kicks of a dying horse.”

On Sunday evening, the two parties held dueling press conferences in Lilongwe. MCP accused the DPP of orchestrating fraud, while the DPP countered that MCP was attempting to interfere with the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) ongoing vote tabulation process. Unofficial results show DPP’s Peter Mutharika ahead of President Lazarus Chakwera.

Vitumbiko Mumba, Chakwera’s running mate and MCP’s de facto spokesperson during the election, alleged that DPP was operating a “crime syndicate” bribing MEC polling officers to inflate electronically transmitted results in Mutharika’s favor. 

He cited discrepancies between electronic figures and paper tally sheets, claiming the manipulation was “widespread across 12 districts” including Likoma, Mzimba, and Luchenza Municipality.

Mumba further accused DPP strongholds in the south of blocking MCP monitors from ballot processing — including counting, signing results, and sealing ballot boxes — while some monitors reportedly had their phones confiscated. He also claimed the syndicate was behind alleged ballot stuffing in Mangochi Masongola, where 150,000 votes were voided in MCP strongholds. The party is demanding a full ballot audit.

“We have already lodged a complaint with MEC,” Mumba said. “We call upon MEC to protect all polling materials to safeguard pending inspections and judicial proceedings,” warning of possible legal action if the demands were ignored.

The DPP dismissed the allegations. Party vice president for the Northern Region, Jappie Mhango, called Mumba’s claims “kicks of a dying horse,” while National Director of Elections Jean Mathanga stressed the party’s trust in MEC. Director of Women Mary Navicha added that all parties should let MEC operate independently and without pressure.

Meanwhile, MEC has criticized candidates seeking office for engaging in behavior that fuels division rather than unity, especially at a time when heightened emotions can lead to regrettable actions.