By Daniel Zimba:
Unofficial results of Tuesday’s parliamentary by-election show that Mavuto Gulo, an independent candidate, has won in Blantyre West, Thokonzire Lunji of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has won in Nkhotakota Liwalazi, Mathews Mtumbuka of the UTM party has won in Rumphi Central and Patrick Bandawe of the Malawi Congress Party has won in Dedza Mtakataka.
Voter turnout was low across all constituencies.
In Blantyre West, only 9,084 of 23,359 registered voters cast ballots, of which 9,004 were valid. In Nkhotakota Liwalazi, 11,168 of 25,663 registered voters participated.
In Rumphi Central, 14,519 of 25,880 registered voters cast their votes.
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Political analyst Chimwemwe Tsitsi said low turnout was unsurprising as many Malawians focus on presidential elections.
“They regard local and parliamentary by-elections as less significant,” Tsitsi said.
He added that ongoing rainy and cold weather may have further reduced participation.
Local government by-elections took place in nine wards, including Ighembe (Karonga District), Luwinga (Mzuzu City), Linthembwe (Dowa District), Chilobwe (Lilongwe District), Msitu (Mchinji District), Mikongo (Mangochi District), Chanda and Chirunga (Zomba District) and Muonekera (Thyolo District).
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Malawi Electoral Commission Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa confirmed that rain disrupted some polling, including in Zomba where a building wall collapsed, causing minor injuries and damaging election materials.
All those affected were treated and voting continued.
Mwafulirwa said the commission was reviewing the results and any complaints before declaring winners in line with legal procedures.
The 2026 parliamentary and local government by-elections were held due to candidate deaths, appointments to other government positions and court-confirmed nullification of previous results.
