Overview

• Counting began after Tuesday's nationwide vote for president, parliament and local councils, with provisional tallies expected from Thursday and certified results due within days.
• Early figures from the election authority indicate turnout above 64% of the 7.2 million registered voters after a slower showing earlier in the day.
• Seventeen candidates are on the presidential ballot, though the contest centers on President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, and former leader Peter Mutharika, 85.
• Officials reported a largely peaceful and orderly process, as voters prioritized a deteriorating economy marked by inflation above 27% and persistent fuel and foreign‑exchange shortages.
• Under the 50%+1 rule introduced after the annulled 2019 vote, a runoff will be held if no candidate wins an outright majority.