Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja has urged Malawians to participate more actively in by-elections after low voter turnout in the June 30 polls.
Announcing the results in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Mtalimanja commended those who voted but expressed concern over the low participation.
during announcement of the official results. | George Singini
“When there are by-elections, we need to come out in large numbers to vote because that is a constitutional right,” she said.
The polls were conducted in Lilongwe City Bwaila, Balaka Mulunguzi and Machinga Mikoko constituencies, as well as in Uliwa Ward in Karonga South Constituency and Kanjuli Ward in Machinga Central East Constituency.
Turnout ranged from 24.28 percent in Lilongwe City Bwaila to 52.16 percent in Machinga Mikoko. Bwaila recorded 8 985 votes out of 37 008 registered voters, while turnout in Uliwa and Kanjuli wards stood at 25.75 percent and 37.55 percent, respectively. Balaka Mulunguzi registered 46.89 percent turnout.
Mtalimanja said only five political parties fielded candidates compared to 12 during the 2025 General Election.
She nevertheless commended political parties and candidates for peaceful campaigns, saying the commission was satisfied that the elections were free, fair and reflected the will of the electorate.
“We are satisfied that the outcome reflects the will of the voters,” she said.
In the parliamentary races, Malawi Congress Party candidate Precious Kabambe won Lilongwe City Bwaila with 4 707 votes, while Democratic Progressive Party candidate James Makhumula secured Balaka Mulunguzi with 7 311 votes. Independent candidate Ishamel Japani won Machinga Mikoko after polling 4 940 votes.
In the local government polls, People’s Party candidate Robert Kondowe won Uliwa Ward with 2 800 votes, while DPP’s Ali Lali Atwabi secured Kanjuli Ward with 2 351 votes.
MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila said the party’s victory in Lilongwe City Bwaila reflected continued public confidence in the former governing party.
Meanwhile, People’s Party secretary general Ben Chakhame described his party’s victory in Uliwa Ward as a morale booster.
