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ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DETERMINATION

OF THE RESULTS FOR PARLIAMENTARY
AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

June 2, 2014

Fellow Commissioners;
Representatives and leaders from Political Parties;
Distinguished Representatives of the Diplomatic Community
and Development Partners;
Representatives of Observer Missions, both Domestic and
International;
Representatives of Civil Society;
Staff of the Malawi Electoral Commission;
Distinguished members of the Media; and
Distinguished Guests;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of the Malawi Electoral Commission I am pleased
to announce the results for the 2014 Parliamentary and Local
Councilor elections.

The Electoral Commission has striven to ensure that every
vote counts in these elections. This was a unique process,
allowing for the concurrent election of the President and
Vice President, 193 Parliamentary Seats for the National
Assembly and 462 Councillor Seats across 35 Councils.

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The organization of these elections is, as many of you know,
one of the biggest and most complex operations
undertaken in Malawi. The logistics and resources involved
are massive, as well as the efforts required to mobilize the
population at large.

As such, we cannot and could not have organized these
elections without the support of the government, the political
parties, civil society organizations and the support of our
international partners, who have also given their contribution
to this massive effort.

We, as MEC, wish to congratulate and thank all Malawians
for demonstrating their commitment towards Malawis
democracy. We are grateful for the efforts and support
received from numerous groups that have enriched this
process. Across the country, non-governmental
organisations, faith based organisations and community
based organisations have worked hard in their communities
to educate and mobilize voters. As you will shortly hear,
these efforts have resulted in strong voter turnout.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In all races there has been more than one candidate, and
there can only be one winner in each race. The competition
has been vigorous. Allow me to take the opportunity to
highlight that the Commission appreciates the statements
and actions of all competitors in accepting defeat in a
dignified and peaceful manner. This is indeed the warm
heart of Africa. This is indeed our country.

For any competitor that feels they have a justifiable claim to
challenge the results within our laws, candidates have
seven days in which to submit an electoral petition to the
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High Court.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For Parliamentary elections a total of one thousand two
hundred and ninety two (1,292) candidates from seventeen
(17) parties and four hundred and seventeen (417)
independent candidates competed. Two hundred and sixty
one (261) of these candidates were women.

For Local Councilor elections two thousand four hundred
and twelve (2, 412) candidates from eighteen (18) parties
and five hundred and seventy six (576) independent
candidates have competed. Of these four hundred and
nineteen (419) women competed.

In order to increase the participation of women as
candidates, the Commission provided a 25% discount for
nomination fees. Women are a crucial voice in our society.
The role and need for greater female representation has
been a feature of many international and national observer
reports.

As such, the Commission would use this opportunity to urge
all political parties to do more for the representation of
women through their party machinery in the period between
elections. Women make up more than 50% of Malawians
and should be well represented in every elected body
throughout our land.

The results that we are about to announce show the interest
and strength of participation that Malawians hold for all
levels of government:

Ladies and Gentlemen, five million, two hundred and thirty
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four thousand, five hundred and six (5,234,506) votes were
cast in parliamentary elections, representing 70.07% of
registered voters. Of these votes, seventy four thousand, six
hundred and thirty-four (74,634) votes or 1.43% were deemed
null and void.

For the Local Government Elections in the year of 2000, allow
me to remind you that voter turnout was a mere 14%. In
these elections five million, one hundred and fifty three
thousand, nine hundred and ninety-three (5,153,993) votes
were cast. This represents 68.99% of registered voters. Of
these, one hundred and twenty-one thousand, one hundred
and seventy votes (121,170) or 2.35% were deemed to be
null and void.

The Commission is satisfied with the way the electoral
process was conducted in an orderly, calm and peaceful
manner. The level of null and void votes across all races was
historically low for Malawi. Let me assure all voters that your
Commission has done its best to act inclusively throughout
the election period, honoring its commitment to Malawis
citizens and all political parties. As has been noted in the
European Unions Observation report, these elections have
been transparent and inclusive to define solutions to address
the challenges that arose.

This has not been an easy task, but again, one that we took
with utmost seriousness. Since the 20
th
of May, until today,
about 300 electoral Commission workers have been present
here at the National Tally Center working on shifts to tally the
results. Others have lived through very challenging
circumstances while implementing the election on the 20
th
of
May and subsequent days.

As electoral workers and as Malawian citizens we have felt
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the pressure from the past few weeks. We have felt the eyes
of the country on us. I would like to give a word of praise and
recognize the efforts of the staff of the Electoral Commission
and the tens of thousands of temporary workers. Thank you
for your work and dedication. The results to be announced
are the fruit of your efforts and commitment.

It is important that we reflect on the difficulties found, and
that we build on this knowledge. There are many lessons we
wish to learn ourselves and impart to the next generation of
election administrators so their future work is informed by our
current experience.

The Commission has worked diligently to assess each and
every election result across all races. Where there has been
any doubt we have investigated to be able to announce
results that are credible and genuine. Our determinations on
these issues have been forged by a consensus of the
Commission, and have therefore been endorsed by all
Commissioners.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a privilege to share with you the results tallied in this
National Tally Center. Your elected Members of Parliament
and Local Councilors have a critical role to play.
Collectively they will be able to identify the Nations and
communitys needs, and set the goals and action-plans to
meet those needs. There will always be competing priorities
for limited resources. However, communities will have their
voice heard through their duly elected representatives in
Councils and the National Assembly.

I wish to congratulate the future Members of Parliament and
Local Councilors. This Commission, wishes all the success to
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our Members of Parliament and Local Councilors in
achieving the goals set to enhance the prosperity of Malawi
and Malawians during their tenure. May they find all the
necessary support to fulfill their roles and their functions, and
lead Malawi toward a bright future.

After the announcement of results, the processes of
publication and taking office of Members of Parliament and
new Local Councilors will follow.

Notice is hereby given that the following are the results
arising from the National Assembly and Local Councilor
Elections that took place in four hundred and fifty eight (458)
wards and one hundred and ninety two (192)
Constituencies.

Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to make the formal
declaration of the Parliamentary results.



[Commissioners to Announce Parliamentary Determinations]



Ladies and Gentlemen, the formal declaration of the Local
Government Elections is



ZODIAK radio and MBC Television will now announce the
official results for the Local Government Elections.

Thank you and God Bless You.