LUSAKA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Malawi's electoral body said on Tuesday that the voting process has so far progressed well with no disturbances.
Justice Jane Ansah, chairperson of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), said most of the 5,002 polling stations around the country opened within the stipulated time of 06:00 a.m. except for a few and that those that opened late will be given some extra time to compensate for lost time.
"It is expected that voting will continue undisturbed until polling closes at 6 p.m. this evening except for polling centers that have been opened later than 6 a.m.," Ansah said in a press release.
She appealed to citizens to maintain peace and calm as the voting progresses, adding that the electoral body is managing everything to ensure that all the registered voters have cast their votes.
About 6.8 million voters were registered to cast their ballots to choose a president, lawmakers and local government councilors.
Incumbent President Peter Mutharika, seeking his second and final term in office, faces off against his deputy, Saulos Chilima, of the United Transformation (UTM), and Lazarus Chakwera, of the opposition Malawi Congress Party.
