Malawi's Crucial Elections: Voters Speak Out Amid Economic Hardships

Tue Sep 16 2025 13:41:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Malawians head to the polls to choose their leaders as the country faces pressing economic challenges and political rivalry. President Lazarus Chakwera seeks reelection against Peter Mutharika amidst rising living costs and fuel shortages.

On September 16, 2025, Malawians are casting their votes in a presidential and parliamentary election characterized by economic difficulties and political rivalries. President Lazarus Chakwera is contesting for a second term against former president Peter Mutharika. With over 7 million registered voters, the elections come at a time when citizens are battling inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, leading to long queues at petrol stations. A run-off election may occur if no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes, intensifying the stakes of this electoral process.

Malawians are voting in presidential and parliamentary elections, following a turbulent five years that has seen the economic crisis worsening in the southern African nation.

President Lazarus Chakwera is vying for a second term, his main rival being Peter Mutharika, an octogenarian who has previously been in office.

In the cities, campaigning has been overshadowed by fuel shortages, which have led to long, frustrating queues at petrol stations. The rising cost of living has also been a major concern of voters.

A presidential run-off will be held if no candidate gets more than 50% of the votes cast in Tuesday's election.

What are Malawians voting for?

The 7.2 million registered voters will be participating in three elections once polling stations opened:

Presidential - there are 17 candidates to choose from
Parliamentary - 229 constituency MPs will be elected
Local - 509 councillor positions are up for grabs.

Who could be the next president?

Among the 17 hopefuls, there are two clear front-runners.

Chakwera and Mutharika will square off against each other at the polls for the fourth time - though the third time ended up not counting.

Lazarus Chakwera - Malawi Congress Party (MCP)

Chakwera, a former theology lecturer and preacher, had no political experience when he emerged as leader of the MCP in 2013.

His time in office has been marred by economic turmoil and allegations of corruption. The 70-year-old did, however, reintroduce train services in Malawi for the first time in over three decades.

Peter Mutharika - Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

Mutharika, the 85-year-old former lawyer and law lecturer, led Malawi from 2014 to 2020. However, his age may count against him this election.

What are the key issues for voters?

The economy

Malawi has long been one of the poorest countries in the world, but the past few years have been especially punishing. The country was devastated by Cyclone Freddy that killed hundreds of people in 2023, followed by droughts that worsened food scarcity.

Corruption

Chakwera came to power vowing to combat corruption, but skepticism remains about his administration's effectiveness.

What has happened in previous elections?

Chakwera's victory in 2020 was significant as it came after a controversial election process that annulled the previous year’s results due to widespread tampering.

How will Tuesday's presidential vote work?

Malawi requires candidates to secure more than 50% of the votes to win in the first round, which may lead to a run-off as candidates compete for smaller party support.

Will the elections be free and fair?

While the 2019 court actions restored some faith in the electoral process, accusations of bias against the electoral commission have surfaced, leading to concerns about political violence.