Malawians are voting in presidential and parliamentary elections after a turbulent five years marked by economic hardship, corruption scandals, and public frustration with the political class. More than 7.2 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots, choosing not only a new president but also members of parliament and local councillors. The outcome will determine the country’s leadership at a time when fuel shortages, inflation, and widespread poverty dominate the national conversation.
President Lazarus Chakwera, who came to power in 2020 after a historic re-run of the annulled 2019 elections, is seeking a second term. His main challenger is former president Peter Mutharika, the 85-year-old opposition leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The two men have faced each other before at the ballot, and this election represents yet another chapter in their long-running political rivalry. Mutharika defeated Chakwera in 2014, but their 2019 contest was annulled due to electoral irregularities, paving the way for Chakwera’s victory in 2020.
This year’s election comes against the backdrop of worsening economic conditions. Malawi has long ranked among the poorest countries in the world, but the situation has been aggravated by recent natural disasters, including Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which killed hundreds, followed by a severe drought across southern Africa. These crises left millions struggling to afford food as prices soared. Fuel shortages have also become a common sight, with long queues at petrol stations becoming a symbol of the government’s struggle to manage the economy. Inflation has reached alarming levels of around 27%, sparking frustration across urban and rural areas alike.
Chakwera, who leads the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), campaigned on promises of infrastructure development, pointing to his government’s reintroduction of train services after decades and major road construction projects. However, critics argue that his administration has failed to deliver on its pledge to tackle corruption. His vow to “clear the rubble” has been undermined by dropped charges against high-profile figures and the absence of a director at the Anti-Corruption Bureau for more than a year.
Mutharika, on the other hand, carries the baggage of his previous administration, which also faced corruption allegations, but his supporters maintain that Malawi’s economy performed better under his leadership compared to the current government. However, questions about his advanced age and health have raised doubts about his ability to lead. He has rarely appeared in public during this campaign, fueling speculation about his fitness for office.
Other candidates in the crowded field of 17 include former president Joyce Banda, who was cleared of wrongdoing in the infamous “cashgate” scandal but whose legacy remains controversial; current Vice-President Michael Usi, running on the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu ticket; and former reserve bank governor Dalitso Kabambe of the UTM. While they are less likely to win outright, their influence could prove critical in a likely second-round run-off if no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes in the first round.
This election has also been shaped by the tragic death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash in 2024. Chilima was a popular figure, especially among younger voters, and many believe he could have been a serious contender in this election. Despite two investigations ruling out foul play, suspicion lingers, and opposition parties have used the tragedy to attack Chakwera’s MCP, with some branding it the “Chikangawa Party” in reference to the crash site.
As voting unfolds, concerns about the credibility of the electoral commission persist. Although the annulment of the 2019 elections by the Constitutional Court gave citizens faith in democratic institutions, recent accusations of bias and politically motivated violence have threatened to undermine confidence. Civil society groups and opposition parties claim the commission’s leadership has ties to the ruling party, while protests in June calling for resignations were violently disrupted by masked men armed with machetes.
Despite these challenges, Malawians have turned out to the polls with determination, knowing that the election outcome will shape the future of their country for years to come. Polls opened at 04:00 GMT and are set to close at 16:00 local time, with counting expected to begin immediately after. Results for the presidential election are due by 24 September, while parliamentary results will be announced by the end of 30 September.
For many Malawians, the stakes are high. The choice between continuity under Chakwera, a return to Mutharika’s leadership, or a shift to an alternative candidate reflects broader frustrations with governance, the economy, and corruption. Whether the elections prove free and fair will depend not only on the integrity of the process but also on how political leaders respond in the coming days.
Leave a comment