MESN Observes Most Polling Centers Opened Later than Planned: MEC Bars Media from Announcing Unofficial Results Until 10:PM

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has barred all local media houses in the country from reporting unofficial Election results until 10:PM as a report by The Malawi Electoral Support Network (MESN) has indicated that most polling stations opened slightly later than planned.

In what can observed as concurring with the MESN report, the MEC Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah told a press briefing at Comessa that there were some tiny problems in some polling stations hence the casting of votes started late.

She said the situation will result into the affected centers finishing the voting process later than expected and that no media house should start announcing unofficial results because that may bring tension.

On MESN report, only 38% of polling stations were open by 06:00 local time (04:00GMT) while 97% were open by 07:00 local time.

The on going Elections have been described as the most unpredictable yet since the country emerged from authoritarian rule in 1994.