There was a running battle on Tuesday afternoon between police and a group of angry voters in Nsanje Lalanje due to fears of a suspected vote rigging syndicate.

The fracas ensued after angry people near Bangula road block confronted an armed police vehicle on a suspicion that it was carrying fake ballot papers.

Meanwhile no casualties have been reported.

Voting started on a peaceful note Tuesday’s by-election following a tense campaign period that was marred by reports of violence.

There were a heavy police presence in the area due to fears that the violence among Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters in the area could disrupt the by-election.

Gladys Ganda of DPP, Lawrence Sitolo of MCP and an independent candidate, Winnie Wakudyanaye, are the one’s contesting in Nsanje Lalanje.

Besides Nsanje Lalanje, the by-elections have also been held Lilongwe City South East and Lilongwe Msozi South.

people have also voted for Councilors in Mayani North Ward in Dedza North Constituency, Mtsiliza Ward in Lilongwe City West Constituency and Ndirande Makata Ward in Blantyre Malabada Constituency.