Lilongwe: The second round of partial official presidential results from Malawi's September 16 general election showed former President Peter Mutharika maintaining the lead, followed by incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera. Former Reserve Bank Governor Dalitso Kabambe ranked third, according to the electoral commission.

According to Nam News Network, cumulative official results from nine councils were announced Friday and Saturday by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja. Mutharika has so far secured 203,440 votes, while Chakwera has 153,507, as tallying and verification of results continue at the National Tally Centre in Lilongwe, the nation's capital.

As of Saturday evening, results from 34 of the country's 36 councils had reached the main tally centre, with two councils yet to submit their figures, Mtalimanja said.

Meanwhile, at least four presidential candidates have conceded defeat and extended their best wishes to the eventual winner.

In the parliamentary election, 229 constituencies are being contested, while the local government election covers 509 wards.

Election observer missions, including those from the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, commended the MEC during the week for conducting a peaceful general election.

However, in some councils, isolated incidents of data manipulation were reported, leading to the arrest of eight data entry clerks on Friday for questioning.