LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Large number of Malawians have turned out to cast their votes on Tuesday across the country in a bid to usher new leadership amid social-economic ills experienced for the last five years.
Many voters turned out in polling centres as early as 05:00 hours.
Since morning, there has been peace in many centres despite a minor irregularities.
As pollsling progresses, there are troubling reports have emerged from various districts suggesting attempts to manipulate the electoral process, with particular allegations targeting the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
In Blantyre City’s Michiru Chirimba area, eyewitnesses claim MCP candidates Mc Donald Maulana and Fundi were seen distributing money to sway voters.
Similarly, at Mpata School in Nkolokoti, pre-marked ballots were reportedly found, raising serious questions about ballot integrity.
Chiradzulu’s Nyungwe area reported interference by an MEC official at Namaka School, allegedly influencing voters’ choices.
Meanwhile, Lilongwe’s Chilobwe ward at Malembo FP School witnessed under-aged individuals attempting to vote, a violation that threatens the credibility of the process.
In Machinga Central, suspicious gatherings linked to the MCP were observed at Kambewe School, particularly around Mayi Black, fueling suspicions of coordinated efforts to sway the election unfairly.
Phalombe’s Machemba area also noted suspected pre-marked ballots near Muthuka Market.
Further compounding concerns, biometric voter verification machines reportedly malfunctioned at Chikwawa South’s Chimpambana School, potentially opening avenues for fraudulent voting.
These allegations, if verified, point to systemic attempts to undermine the democratic process in Malawi’s elections.
Electoral authorities and observers are urged to act swiftly to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the vote.
The people of Malawi deserve free and fair elections, and any effort to rig the process threatens the very foundation of democracy in the country.