Former President Peter Mutharika, now at 85, has been re-elected as Malawi’s leader after defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera in a decisive first-round victory, securing 56.8% of the vote in the 16 September election.
The 70-year-old Chakwera, who garnered 33%, conceded defeat early on Wednesday (24 September), acknowledging the public’s will and promising a peaceful transfer of power. “It is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution,” he said in a national address. This marks the fourth electoral showdown between the two political heavyweights and the third win for Mutharika. Analysts say the result was driven not by Mutharika’s popularity, but by widespread frustration with Chakwera’s economic mismanagement.
Under Chakwera’s five-year term, Malawi’s economy deteriorated sharply. Inflation soared to 33%, food prices spiked, and fuel shortages crippled daily life. According to the World Bank, three-quarters of Malawians live below the poverty line, with half lacking sufficient calories for proper nutrition. Mutharika, a former law professor and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has pledged to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and tackle foreign exchange shortages. During his previous term (2014–2020), he was credited with improving infrastructure and lowering inflation, though critics accused him of cronyism — allegations he denies.
Turnout was strong at 76%, reflecting high public engagement despite widespread disillusionment. As Mutharika prepares to take office, economists warn that bold reforms will be needed to rescue Malawi from deepening poverty and ongoing climate-related shocks. “Because the problems are many, there won’t be a single easy solution that the post-election government can put in place,” says a recent analysis in The Conversation. “Instead, progress will require a series of well-sequenced, difficult and comprehensive reforms.”