Voters across four constituencies and nine wards in Malawi have headed to the polls today for by-elections, according to Nyasa Times. The parliamentary races are taking place in Dedza Mtakataka, Blantyre West, Rumphi Central, and Nkhotakota Liwaladzi. Nearly 242,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 351 polling stations to choose from a field of 83 candidates.
Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja has urged voters to maintain peace during the voting process, Nyasa Times reports. The commission is working closely with the Malawi Police Service to ensure order at polling centres and tally points. Representation remains an ongoing issue in the current political arena, as only five of the 83 candidates are youths and just one is a person with a disability.
In separate government policy developments, the state has removed taxes on the importation of electric and hybrid vehicles under the 2026/2027 National Budget, according to Nyasa Times. Fully electric vehicles are now completely duty-free and exempt from excise tax. Hybrid models will also benefit from reduced excise tax rates ranging between 10 and 20 percent. The policy aims to cushion the country from external fuel price shocks linked to Middle East volatility and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.