Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has condemned street protests and other tactics aimed at pressuring the Commission to release election results before the official verification process is complete.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the National Tally Centre in Lilongwe, Mtalimanja stressed that such actions are illegal and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

“MEC is responsible for announcing results only after thoroughly verifying all data and addressing any raised queries,” she stated.

The MEC Chairperson also raised concern over politicians using social media platforms to air grievances, describing the trend as unhelpful. She urged political players and stakeholders to channel their concerns through the Commission’s official complaint procedures.

“Please follow the correct procedures and provide valid evidence to support your claims instead of relying on rumours,” Mtalimanja appealed.

She emphasized that the Commission requires sufficient time to ensure transparency and accountability in delivering results.

“We ask all Malawians to understand that this careful approach is essential,” she added.

Mtalimanja further condemned the spread of misinformation during the sensitive electoral period, cautioning that false information can mislead the public and create unnecessary tension.

Meanwhile, the Commission confirmed it has received all electoral materials from councils across the country. Mtalimanja also announced official results for Machinga, Nkhotakota, Lilongwe City, Dowa, Zomba District, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Blantyre City, Mzuzu, Balaka, and Thyolo.