In a significant political development, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera officially conceded the recent election on Wednesday. This clears the path for Peter Mutharika, the very rival he unseated five years prior in a highly contested rerun, to reclaim the presidency.
Although Malawi’s electoral commission is yet to announce the full, official results of last week’s vote, President Chakwera acknowledged that Mr. Mutharika had accumulated an ‘insurmountable lead,’ based on the partial counts made public.
Speaking in a televised address to the nation, President Chakwera declared, ‘It is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution.’ While calling for a comprehensive review of reported polling irregularities, he also affirmed his ‘full commitment to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power.’
This peaceful concession by President Chakwera is crucial, ensuring a stark contrast to the unrest that followed the 2019 election. That year, Mr. Mutharika was initially declared the victor, but Malawi’s supreme court intervened, ordering an unprecedented rerun due to widespread irregularities. The subsequent election saw Mr. Mutharika lose to Mr. Chakwera, a moment celebrated as a triumph for democracy in a region often challenged by leaders reluctant to relinquish power.
After last week’s vote, President Chakwera and his party initially sought court intervention to pause the release of results amidst various irregularity claims. However, the court ruled that the electoral commission could proceed with announcing the outcomes.
On Wednesday, the 70-year-old Chakwera stated his acceptance of the court’s decision, noting that the reported anomalies, while significant, would not ultimately sway the final outcome in favor of Mr. Mutharika.
Mr. Mutharika, an 85-year-old former Yale law professor, saw his initial term marred by widespread allegations of corruption. Observers suggest that this year, voters rallied behind him primarily due to President Chakwera’s perceived failure to rejuvenate a struggling economy, leaving many Malawians grappling with the high cost of essential goods.