Riot police fired teargas at opposition supporters who rioted in townships in Malawi’s economic capital Blantyre on Sunday after the candidate of the ruling party was declared the winner of the presidential election.
The offices of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) party were torched in Chitawira township as opposition supporters put up barricades, said an AFP correspondent.
”We are angry with the electoral commission and the UDF for rigging the elections”, said one supporter who did not want to give his name.
The UDF’s candidate, Bingu wa Mutharika, was declared the winner of the presidential election on Sunday, three days after the vote was held in the poor southern African country.
Mutharika (61) defeated four other candidates, including Gwanda Chakuamba who late on Saturday claimed victory in the elections, the third to be held in Malawi since the end of dictatorial rule 10 years ago.
Riots broke out in the Chitawira, Nkolokosa and Coche townships after police prevented opposition supporters from attending a rally during which Chakuamba was due to make an address.
Scores of riot police continued to patrol the streets of the townships and strategic buildings including an office complex owned by outgoing President Bakili Muluzi. – Sapa-AFP