Malawi’s former President Peter Mutharika has achieved a remarkable comeback, winning the recent election at the age of 85. Official results confirm he secured 57% of the vote, surpassing the incumbent, President Lazarus Chakwera, who garnered 33%. Chakwera, a former pastor, conceded defeat early, congratulating Mutharika on his “historic win”.
Mutharika, a distinguished former law professor, previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, losing to Chakwera in the previous election. He now faces the challenge of reviving Malawi’s economy, which is currently grappling with a severe shortage of fuel and foreign currency. The nation’s inflation rate is nearing 30%, with essential goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for the majority of the population who live on minimal daily incomes.
The electoral commission took the full allotted eight days to announce the results, citing a thorough review process and the need to address reported complaints. This careful approach comes after the 2019 election, also won by Mutharika, was annulled by the country’s highest court due to widespread irregularities, including the improper alteration of results. Chakwera had subsequently won the rerun election by a significant margin.
In his concession speech, Chakwera acknowledged concerns about “irregularities” and “anomalies” but ultimately accepted the outcome, respecting the people’s “collective will to have a change of government.” He stated that these issues did not necessarily invalidate the projected outcome, which favoured Mutharika.
The election outcome has led to widespread celebrations among Mutharika’s supporters, who took to the streets in anticipation of the official announcement. This victory is seen by many as a public rejection of Chakwera’s administration, which struggled with issues such as corruption, a weak economy, high living costs, and frequent power outages during its tenure. While these problems also existed under Mutharika, they reportedly worsened under Chakwera’s leadership.
Mutharika’s campaign focused on a promise of “a return to proven leadership,” which resonated with voters. However, he now faces the immediate task of controlling inflation, a challenge he previously addressed during his first term. His limited public appearances during the campaign have also raised questions about his stamina for the demanding role of presidency at his age, though his supporters remain optimistic about his proven track record.