The result of the May 2019 presidential elections in Malawi has been declared invalid. According to the Constitutional Court, numerous irregularities have been detected. For example, Tipp-Ex was used to distort votes. New elections must be held within 150 days.
The elections were won last year by incumbent President Peter Mutharika. He received 38.6 percent of the votes. His main opponent, Lazarus Chakwere, received 35.4 percent of the vote. Former vice president Saulos Chilima, who started his own party, ended with 20.4 percent of the vote.
The election results led to months of and sometimes violent protests. Among other things, demonstrators demanded the departure of the head of the election committee. After the Court’s ruling, many companies closed their doors for fear of new riots and looting, now by supporters of Mutharika, but they were not forthcoming.
Too many irregularities
According to a judge of the Court, it is almost impossible to prevent irregularities in elections. But according to her there are now so many that the will of the voter is no longer done justice.
The decision of the Court does not mean that everything President Mutharika has done since the elections is declared invalid. Chilima does become vice-president again, just like before the elections.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. According to the United Nations, more than 65 percent of the inhabitants live below the poverty line.
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