Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Masuku, head of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to Malawi, has confirmed that the country’s general elections were conducted peacefully yesterday.
Masuku, who was appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III, said voting in all 28 districts of Malawi ended at 4:20pm with no reports of violence.
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Although he did not share detailed findings, Masuku praised Malawians for their calm and orderly conduct, saying this was in line with His Majesty’s earlier call for peace as incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
His Majesty had also mandated the SADC Secretariat, led by Executive Secretary Elias Mpedi Magosi, to coordinate SEOM’s deployment and facilitate the presence of election observers across the country.
On the eve of the polls, His Majesty urged Malawians to exercise their democratic right and contribute to their nation’s unity, prosperity and democratic development.
High voter turnout, strong youth participation
The elections saw citizens elect the President, Members of Parliament, and councillors in line with Malawi’s Constitution.
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17 presidential candidates contested the top office.
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1 488 candidates vied for parliamentary seats, with over 600 independents.
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According to Al Jazeera, 7.2 million Malawians registered to vote, 60% of them under 35 years old.
Among the voters was former soccer legend Kina Phiri, now Deputy Director for Sports in Lilongwe.
Masuku expressed delight at the high level of youth and women participation, calling it a positive sign for Malawi’s democratic future.
Results expected September 24
By 7pm yesterday, counting of ballots was still underway. The final results are expected on September 24, while the SEOM will issue its preliminary statement tomorrow (September 18).
Masuku also noted that besides the SEOM team assigned by the King, there were other Eswatini representatives, including members of One Billion Rising.
He concluded by appealing for prayers to ensure the success of the observer mission.
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