Malawi
National Assembly
Election results
Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections
Background
Election date(s)
The date when elections started and ended for directly or indirectly elected parliaments/chambers. The date of appointments for appointed parliaments/chambers.
20.05.2014
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
Date at which the previous legislature (elected at the previous elections) was dissolved.
20.03.2014
Timing of election
Timing of election: Upon normal expiry; Early elections; Delayed elections
Upon normal expiry
Number of seats at stake
Number of seats contested at the elections. Where the parliament/chamber is fully renewed, this number is usually identical to the statutory number of members. Where the parliament/chamber is partially renewed or appointed, the number of seats at stake is usually less than the total number of members.
193
Scope of elections
Scope of elections: Full renewal; Partial renewal.
Full renewal
Candidates
Total number of candidates
Total number of people who registered as candidates for election. Does not include people who stood as candidates to become "substitute members".
1,290
Number of male candidates
Number of male candidates
1,033
Number of female candidates
Number of female candidates
257
Percentage of women candidates
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women candidates by the total number of candidates.
19.92%
Number of parties contesting the election
This field may include either the number of parties contesting the election, or the number of coalitions/electoral alliance.
17
Voter turnout
Registration
Number of people registered to vote
7,470,806
Votes
Number of people who actually voted
5,234,506
Voter turnout
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of people who actually voted by the number of people registered to vote
70.07%
Results
About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
The 2014 elections returned a fragmented parliament with no party securing an outright majority in the 193-member National Assembly. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), now led by Mr. Peter Mutharika (younger brother of the late President Bingu wa Mutharika), remained the largest party with 50 seats, significantly less than the 113 that it had taken in 2009. The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by former cleric Lazurus Chakwera, followed with 48 seats, up from 27. The People's Party (PP) took 26 seats. The PP was formed in 2011 by the then Vice President Joyce Banda, after she left the DPP. Ms. Banda subsequently became the country's first female President in 2012, following the death of President Mutharika. A record 52 independent candidates were elected, up from 33.
During the election campaign, the major parties ran on a similar platform, promising poverty alleviation, improved agriculture, better education, health services and employment. President Banda underscored that her government had addressed fuel shortages and high inflation, which she said were inherited from the previous DPP-led administration. Opposition forces criticized the President for mishandling the so-called "Cashgate" scandal, which resulted in the suspension of foreign aid for the fiscal year 2013-2014. DPP leader Mutharika referred to his brother's achievements as President. The MCP, which had led Malawi to independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, promised to restore decency, hope, prosperity and development.
Three elections took place on 24 May, for the President, parliament and local councils. Due to logistical problems, some polling stations opened 10 hours later than scheduled, triggering riots. The Election Commission announced that the number of votes cast in several polling stations exceeded the number of registered voters. On 24 May, President Banda ordered fresh parliamentary and presidential elections be held within 90 days, citing "rampant irregularities". She stated that she would no longer be a presidential candidate. The High Court issued an injunction later the same day, stopping President Banda from interfering with the vote. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer mission, while noting some shortcomings, declared the elections were "free, peaceful and credible".
The Election Commission declared that Mr. Peter Mutharika (DPP) had won the presidential elections. The latter was sworn in as President on 31 May.
During the election campaign, the major parties ran on a similar platform, promising poverty alleviation, improved agriculture, better education, health services and employment. President Banda underscored that her government had addressed fuel shortages and high inflation, which she said were inherited from the previous DPP-led administration. Opposition forces criticized the President for mishandling the so-called "Cashgate" scandal, which resulted in the suspension of foreign aid for the fiscal year 2013-2014. DPP leader Mutharika referred to his brother's achievements as President. The MCP, which had led Malawi to independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, promised to restore decency, hope, prosperity and development.
Three elections took place on 24 May, for the President, parliament and local councils. Due to logistical problems, some polling stations opened 10 hours later than scheduled, triggering riots. The Election Commission announced that the number of votes cast in several polling stations exceeded the number of registered voters. On 24 May, President Banda ordered fresh parliamentary and presidential elections be held within 90 days, citing "rampant irregularities". She stated that she would no longer be a presidential candidate. The High Court issued an injunction later the same day, stopping President Banda from interfering with the vote. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer mission, while noting some shortcomings, declared the elections were "free, peaceful and credible".
The Election Commission declared that Mr. Peter Mutharika (DPP) had won the presidential elections. The latter was sworn in as President on 31 May.
Number of parties winning seats
The number of parties which won parliamentary representation in the given election.
6
Percentage of parties winning seats
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of parties which won parliamentary representation by the number of parties contesting the election.
35.29%
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of seats won by the largest party by the number of seats at stake in the election.
26.94%
Parties or coalitions winning seats
Political group | Total |
---|---|
Independents | 52 |
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) | 50 |
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) | 48 |
People's Party (PP) | 26 |
United Democratic Front (UDF) | 14 |
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) | 1 |
Chipani Cha Pfuko (CCP) | 1 |
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
160
Number of women elected
32
Percentage of women elected
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women elected in the election and the number of seats at stake at the election.
16.58%
Other notes
The distribution of seats above refers to 192 seats. Elections did not take place in one constituency due to the sudden death of one of the candidates.
Sources
Malawi Electoral Commission (11.06.2014, 18.06.2014)
Women Directly Elected
32
New legislature
Total number of men after the election
The total number of male parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
160
Total number of women after the election
The total number of female parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
32
Date of the first session
The date when the newly elected parliament/chamber was convened for the first time. It may be different from the date when members were sworn in.
09.06.2014
First Speaker of the new legislature
First Speaker of the new legislature
First name of the Speaker of the new legislature following the election or renewal.
Richard
Msowoya
(Male)
Political party
Malawi Congress Party (MCP)
Date of election
16.06.2014