By Edwin Mauluka
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says it has filed a formal complaint with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), alleging irregularities and electoral fraud in several districts.
Speaking at a press briefing at party headquarters in Lilongwe on Friday night, Vitumbiko Mumba — running mate to President Lazarus Chakwera — claimed the party had uncovered a scheme designed to distort the September 16 election outcome.
“I want to assure you that your vote was not in vain,” Mumba told cheering supporters. “Those who love the Malawi Congress Party, shortly you will celebrate!”
He cited alleged fraud in 13 districts, including Mangochi, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Thyolo and Rumphi.
“Fellow Malawians, such enemies cannot be left unnoticed, unchallenged, and unexposed,” he said, adding that eight individuals were already in police custody on suspicion of altering results in favour of a presidential candidate. Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said the suspects were data entry clerks.
Mumba appeared alongside senior party figures, including spokesperson Jessie Kabwila, Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda and legal advisor Titus Mvalo.
The move evokes memories of 2019, when MCP successfully challenged presidential results in court, leading to the 2020 re-run in which Chakwera, backed by UTM leader Saulos Chilima, defeated then-president Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The 2025 contest is widely seen as a rematch. Unofficial tallies show Mutharika leading Chakwera amid voter frustration over rising living costs, food insecurity, and persistent shortages of fuel and foreign exchange.
