More than four million citizens voted across 229 constituencies, electing a president, Members of Parliament and ward councillors. In a statement, Usi stressed that patience and restraint are vital as MEC ties up the last stages of verification. By law, MEC has a maximum of eight days to declare the presidential results,” Mtalimanja said. Usi, one of 17 presidential contenders, is believed to have fared poorly, according to unofficial figures. The main battle appears to be between incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera and his predecessor, Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party.