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

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.

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Mutharika, who came to power in 2014, could face a tough battle to hold onto office in Tuesday’s election after his presidency was damaged by corruption allegations.

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.