Vote counting is under way in Malawi as the country awaits the results of its presidential and parliamentary elections.
Some 17 candidates are contesting in the presidential race with President Lazarus Chakwera's bid for a second term facing a strong challenge from his predecessor Peter Mutharika.
The results from polling stations are being sent to constituency tally centers before being transmitted to the national tallying centre.
Local media outlets have been allowed to broadcast early results from polling stations, the Malawi News Agency reports.
“Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is allowing media houses to air unofficial results they have gathered so far, but they must ensure such figures are verified with commission officials before being made public,” said MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja is quoted as saying.
An outright victory in the presidential vote requires more than 50 percent of votes, making a run-off likely, due within 60 days, observers said.
High inflation and food prices were at the top of voters' minds. The country has faced economic stagnation in recent years, with a devastating cyclone and a regional drought wiping out crops and worsening hardship.
The country of around 22 million people also voted for members of parliament and local councillors on Tuesday.
