MALAWI : 85 Year Old former Leader Wins Presidential Election

Former President Peter Mutharika of Malawi has clinched a decisive victory in the country’s presidential election, defeating the incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera. At 85 years old, Mutharika secured a strong mandate with 56.8% of the vote, according to the Malawi Electoral Commission, surpassing the 50% threshold needed to win outright in the 17-candidate race held on September 16, 2025.

Mutharika, who previously served as Malawi’s president from 2014 to 2020, staged a remarkable political comeback to reclaim the nation’s highest office. His campaign under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) banner won nearly 3.04 million votes, while the 70-year-old incumbent, Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), won roughly 1.77 million votes, amounting to 33% of the ballots cast.

In a televised concession statement, President Chakwera acknowledged his defeat and pledged to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power. He also called for thorough investigations into reported irregularities during the voting process but emphasized respect for the will of the Malawian people and the constitution.

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This election marks the fourth time the two leaders have faced off, with Mutharika winning three of these contests overall. Notably, his 2019 re-election was annulled due to election irregularities, leading to his rare loss to Chakwera in the subsequent rerun. This latest win signals a political shift amid economic challenges, including inflation, fuel shortages, and the impact of a recent cyclone that has strained Malawi’s impoverished economy.

The Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson, Annabel Mtalimanja, confirmed that the elections took place smoothly despite some logistical hiccups amid heightened security measures. The new president is expected to be sworn in within a week following the official announcement.

Mutharika’s return is seen as an opportunity to stabilize the economy and address ongoing hardships, with his party aiming to “realign the country” toward growth and improved infrastructure based on his previous presidential record.