Banda faces mammoth election challenges

Malawian President Joyce Banda faces a stiff challenge to stay in power as Malawians vote in presidential, parliamentary and local elections.

Banda was hailed by the West as an example of good leadership before she was hit by a major corruption scandal.

She is being challenged by three main contenders in what has been described as the closest race in 20 years in the former British colony.

Her challengers are popular former preacher, Lazarus Chakwera, as well as Peter Mutharika, brother of her predecessor, the autocratic Bingu wa Mutharika.

Atupele Muluzi, son of former president Bakili Muluzi, was expected to give her a run for her money .

As voting began, there were angry clashes in Blantyre when polling stations failed to open for up to four hours. In some instances, the stations opened without the necessary voting materials.

According to Malawian media, police used teargas in one area of the city after polling stations were attacked. The roads were also blockaded and ballot papers burned by crowds citing frustration at the glitches.

Maxon Mbendera, the Malawi Electoral Commission chairman, apologised for the shortcomings. He announced an extension of polling hours to ensure that everyone voted.

Banda came to power in April 2012 after the death of Bingu wa Mutharika. She announced a cut to her salary and the sale of the presidential jet.

She also devalued the kwacha at the IMF's recommendation.

This prompted Western donors to resume direct aid, which has accounted for up to 40% of the country's budget.

The aid was suspended under her predecessor, only to be frozen again last year after a $33-million civil service corruption scandal was uncovered.

She has tried to turn Cashgate, as the scandal became known, to her advantage, saying that the endemic looting was stopped on her watch.

Polls suggest she could be beaten by Peter Mutharika, who Banda claims sought to annex power after his brother's death.