LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Civil Society Education Integrity Forum (CSEIF) is appealing the general public to patiently wait Malawi Elections Commission (MEC) to determine a legitimate winner in the just ended polls.
CSEIF says there is no any legitimate agency that can announce results apart from MEC.
Addressing the news conference on Wednesday afternoon in the capital Lilongwe, CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe observes that early celebrations amid MEC results absence is a recipe for violence scenes.
“Following our earlier statement of 16th September 2025, the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) issues this update as polling has officially closed and the crucial process of vote counting and tallying continues.
“About 60.24% Malawians have turned out to exercise their sacred constitutional right to vote, and the nation now enters a defining moment in its democratic journey,” reads the statement in part.
The statement adds, “Our network of CSEIF observers is stationed across the country — from Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, Mulanje, Thyolo, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Neno, Mwanza, Zomba, Machinga, Balaka, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Dedza, Mchinji, Lilongwe, Dowa, Ntchisi, Mzimba, Mzuzu, Nkhata Bay, Rumphi, Karonga to Nkhotakota. They have worked tirelessly, day and night, monitoring and documenting every stage of the process, including vote counting and tallying.
“We still have more than 13 districts where tallying is still incomplete. Our National Situation Room has likewise operated around the clock, underscoring our commitment to serve Malawians with integrity and vigilance”.
CSEIF appeals, “We call upon our observers to remain steadfast as defenders of truth, democracy,
and good governance. Their solemn duty is to report faithfully and accurately, ensuring that their accounts
reflect only the express will of the voters as cast in polling stations and constituencies — nothing more,
nothing less.
“So far, vote tallying is proceeding peacefully and in an orderly manner across all the remaining districts where
our observers are stationed. We commend polling staff for their professionalism and diligence, as well as the
security officials who continue to provide visible and reassuring presence at the tallying centres. Their
combined efforts are helping to maintain calm and confidence in this critical stage of the electoral process”.
CSEIF further urges all political parties and candidates to ensure that their accredited monitors remain
present throughout the tallying process.
“The presence of party and candidate monitors is not only a safeguard for transparency but also vital in giving full legitimacy to the results as they emerge. Their participation will help reinforce public trust that the outcome reflects the true will of the voters.
“CSEIF reminds all stakeholders that the free will of the voter, as expressed through the ballot, remains
supreme. No individual, political party, or grouping may claim victory at less than 10% of the counted votes
until the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), the body legally mandated to manage elections, has completed
its work and formally declared the results. The verdict belongs to the people, and the determination of thewinner rests with the Commission acting within the law”, the statement adds.
CSEIF observes further, “MEC must discharge this mandate with fidelity to the Constitution, to which its allegiance is bound. We urge all Malawians to preserve peace, remain calm, and exercise patience as the tallying process proceeds. This must be a win for our democracy and Constitution — a moment where the express wish of the voters is given full weight in shaping leadership at all three levels of elections: councillors, parliamentarians, and the presidency.
“We further urge the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to decisively address any challenges especially
related to the electronic transmission of results by constructively engaging with relevant service providers.
Timely and credible transmission is essential, particularly as the law requires that results be announced within 8 days for the presidential election, 14 days for parliamentary elections, and 21 days for local government elections”, CSEIF adds.
The grouping lauds, “We applaud MEC for its transparency and accountability, which has strengthened public confidence. At the same time, MEC must resist political pressure to release results prematurely, ensuring announcements follow due process and constitutional timelines”.
CSEIF calls upon those who will emerge victorious to celebrate with humility, and upon those who will
ultimately lose to accept the outcome respectfully.
“For any grievances, the lawful path is clear: file complaints with MEC, and if dissatisfied, seek remedy through the High Court. Violence, incitement, or disregard for due process must find no place in our democracy.
“The true test of leadership is not only in victory but in how one responds to defeat. Accepting the will of the
people is not weakness; it is statesmanship and a commitment to safeguard Malawi’s hard-earned peace
and stability”.
According to electoral laws, Presidential, Member of Parliament (MP) and Councillor winners are declared after eight days, fourteen days and 21 days respectively after polling day.