Malawi’s former president, Peter Mutharika, has reclaimed the nation’s top seat after being declared the winner of last week’s elections, marking a dramatic return to power at the age of 85.
According to official results, Mutharika secured 57% of the vote, while outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, managed 33%. Chakwera conceded defeat before the announcement was finalized, calling Mutharika to congratulate him on what he described as a “historic win.”
Mutharika, a former law professor, previously led Malawi from 2014 to 2020, when he was defeated by Chakwera in a landslide. He now faces the daunting challenge of steering an economy in crisis, plagued by fuel shortages, foreign currency scarcity, and inflation nearing 30%. Prices of basic goods, such as a frozen chicken costing around $20 in Lilongwe, highlight the hardship in a country where most citizens survive on less than $2 a day.
The Malawi Electoral Commission explained that it used the full eight-day period permitted by law to verify the vote and resolve complaints. The meticulous approach follows the controversial 2019 election, also won by Mutharika, which was annulled by the courts over widespread irregularities. A rerun in 2020 saw Chakwera claim victory with a wide margin. This year marked the fourth electoral showdown between the two rivals.
Chakwera’s concession, despite citing “irregularities” and “anomalies,” emphasized his respect for the people’s will. “The anomalies do not necessarily mean the election result projecting Professor Mutharika as the winner is not credible or a reflection of the will of the people,” he said.
The announcement sparked jubilant celebrations among Mutharika’s supporters, who flooded the streets of Lilongwe with singing, dancing, and chants of “adadi” — meaning “father” in Chichewa.
Observers see Mutharika’s victory less as an endorsement of his past leadership than a rejection of Chakwera, whose tenure was marred by corruption scandals, frequent blackouts, high living costs, and economic stagnation. Although many of these challenges predated his administration, critics argue that conditions worsened under his leadership.
Mutharika’s campaign theme, “a return to proven leadership,” resonated with voters frustrated by hardship. Yet, questions remain over whether the aging leader, who was rarely seen in public during the campaign, has the stamina to govern effectively.
Mutharika will be sworn in between seven and 30 days from the official declaration of results.
Investigative Journalist & News Editor:
Contact: Editor@wesleyannews.com
Source: Wesleyannews.com
Do you have a story to share? Send it to our editorial team at editor@wesleyannews.com