Hundreds of Blantyre residents last night took to the streets to celebrate a purported victory of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Peter Mutharika in the September 16 General Election.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is yet to announce the winner and it turned out that the people had misinterpreted media reports that indicated that partial results the electoral body announced on Saturday evening indicated that the country’s former president had taken an early lead.
Townships such as Ndirande, Nancholi, Chilobwe, Chilomoni and Chirimba were among the first to erupt into jubilation scenes around 9.30pm.
Groups of young people and women were seen rushing to the streets, some carrying DPP blue flags while chanting and praising Mutharika.
“I heard from a friend that APM has already carried the day, so we just had to come out and celebrate. This is what we have been waiting for,” said 26-year-old Telvin Chitimbe of Nancholi.
In Chilobwe, the crowds blocked parts of the road at the township’s centre with tree branches while others danced to drumbeats.
The atmosphere was not limited to Blantyre as reports indicated that similar scenes unfolded at Bvumbwe in Thyolo, Mulanje, Chiradzulu and Phalombe where supporters clad in DPP regalia paraded in trading centres while celebrating the alleged triumph of Mutharika.
However, some residents expressed caution amid the celebrations.
“It is good to be hopeful, but we should not jump to conclusions. What if MEC announces different results? That will bring confusion,” observed Loveness Khembo, a resident of Ndirande Township.
DPP regional governor for the South Charles Mchacha in an interview last night expressed shock with the celebrations.
He said he was not aware where the people were getting the rumour that Mutharika has been declared a winner.
Said Mchacha: “As we are talking now, I am in my house at Bvumbwe [Thyolo] and many people are flocking into my compound saying they are celebrating APM’s victory. I hear some are also gathering at our regional office in Sunnyside [Blantyre.]
“But I urge them to remain calm and wait for Malawi Electoral Commission to release the official results.”
MEC is yet to announce the full results.
