By Suleman Chitera

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has released confirmed presidential results from four councils, with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika taking an early lead.

According to MEC, the tallies from Likoma, Kasungu Municipality, Luchenza Municipality, and Mwanza put Mutharika ahead with a combined 50,131 votes, while his closest rival, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, trails with 13,139 votes.

Breakdown of results:

Likoma Council: Mutharika – 4,177; Chakwera – 1,817

Kasungu Municipality: Mutharika – 7,831; Chakwera – 8,818

Luchenza Municipality: Mutharika – 7,547; Chakwera – 336

Mwanza: Mutharika – 30,576; Chakwera – 2,228

The results indicate strong performances for Mutharika in Mwanza, Luchenza, and Likoma, while Chakwera managed to secure more votes in Kasungu Municipality.

Election observers say these early figures provide only a partial picture of the national race, with more councils yet to report. MEC has urged Malawians to remain calm and patient as the tallying process continues.