A Zodiak snapcheck has established that there was a low turnout of students and learners in some of the country’s schools on the first day of the 2025/26 academic calendar.

During our visit to Nankhulumbo and Mpinji Primary Schools in Thyolo, Mchengautuwa C.C.A.P Primary School in Mzuzu, and Lilongwe L.E.A Primary School, school authorities revealed that the current election atmosphere has created panic and fear among parents and learners, hence the low figures.

Headteacher for Lilongwe L.E.A. primary school, Emmanuel Magalasi, said they had recorded less than 40 percent attendance, suggesting that most parents are reluctant to release their children.

"Previously during the opening day like this, we could record at least 50 percent of attendance or beyond. This is strange. But we think this is all because of the anxiety and fear of the yet to be unannounced elections results. We usually are affected by violence here," said Magalasi.

Headteacher for Nankhulumbo Primary School in Thyolo, Charles Mankhwala, also decried the same but was quick to note that they are working with local leaders to deal with the fears.

"We have been engaging local leaders here to assist us in calling on parents to bring their children to school" hinted Mankhwala.

In Mzuzu, Boston Nkhoma, who is the District Education Officer, told Zodiak Online that schools have normal security put in place, adding they expect peace and sanity to prevail.

"We do not have any issues as pupils are in class learning. We do not expect anything bad to happen just because we are in an electoral process," said Nkhoma.