President Mutharika takes lead in Malawi election with 75% of votes counted

23 May 2019 - 13:39
By Reuters
Malawi's President Arthur Peter Mutharika (C) and first lady Gertrude Maseko Mutharika (R) leave Goliati Primary School after voting, at his home village, Goliati.
Image: AMOS GUMULIRA / AFP Malawi's President Arthur Peter Mutharika (C) and first lady Gertrude Maseko Mutharika (R) leave Goliati Primary School after voting, at his home village, Goliati.

Malawi's President Peter Mutharika has so far taken 40.44% of votes cast in the May 21 presidential election, with 75% of the vote counted, the Electoral Commission said on Thursday.

Lazarus Chakwera, who heads the opposition Malawi Congress Party, has 35.34%, while Deputy President Saulos Chilima has secured 18.35%, the commission told a news conference.

Malawi also held parliamentary elections on Tuesday.