A Malawian cabinet minister has stepped down two days after the presidential election re-run, which saw President Peter Mutharika up against strong opposition challenger Lazarus Chakwera.

Ben Phiri, who was local government minister, bid farewell to staff on Thursday morning and extended best wishes to his successor.

His resignation is seen by some as a hint that Mr Mutharika lost the vote, but the electoral commission has not announced any results.