By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has annulled the results of the parliamentary election in the Mtandire-Mtsiriza constituency in Lilongwe City.
The announcement was made by MEC Chairperson, Justice Annabelle Mtalimanja, who explained that the decision was reached after serious concerns were raised during the post-election review process.
She said the annulment followed formal complaints regarding spoiled ballots and the handling of other sensitive voting materials, which cast doubt on the credibility of the results.
According to Justice Mtalimanja, MEC had no option but to act in line with its constitutional mandate to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The decision is expected to trigger a fresh election in the constituency, though MEC has not yet announced the exact date when the by-election will be conducted.
Political analysts say the annulment underscores both the challenges and the strengths of Malawi’s electoral system, showing that despite flaws, there are mechanisms in place to ensure fairness and accountability.
Some observers have praised MEC for taking decisive action, while others have urged the Commission to move quickly in setting a new election date to avoid leaving the constituency without representation for too long.
Meanwhile, residents of Mtandire-Mtsiriza are anxiously waiting for guidance on the next steps, as the decision has left the constituency in political limbo.
As Malawi continues to grapple with the outcomes of its highly contested September 2025 elections, the annulment serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability in democratic governance.
