Malawi's General Election: Fuel Shortage Overwhelms Voting Concerns

Mon Sep 15 2025 11:08:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Malawi approaches its general elections, citizens are more preoccupied with crippling fuel shortages than the impending vote. The heightened economic struggles raise questions about the future political landscape.

In Malawi, the countdown to the general elections is marred by severe petrol shortages and rampant economic challenges. With rising living costs, the youth are particularly disillusioned as they grapple with multiple crises. Amidst a muted electioneering atmosphere, frustration over fuel lines overshadows the electoral process, raising skepticism about meaningful change from the upcoming vote.

The queue to get fuel rather than the queue to vote is what is on the mind of many Malawians as Tuesday's general election approaches.

Prolonged petrol shortages, along with regular power cuts, the rising cost of living, hunger, poverty, inequality, and youth unemployment, add to the tangible frustration here.

The presidential, parliamentary, and local council candidates are competing for votes against a background of cynicism about what might actually change.

In a sign that money is tight, electioneering has been somewhat muted compared to the past. This is despite the presidential race being seen as a rematch between the incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera, and the man he beat in 2020, then-President Peter Mutharika.

There are 15 other candidates. But the usual colourful campaign carnival is missing. The free T-shirts usually doled out with abandon to whip up enthusiasm are more limited.

There are fewer giant election billboards on the nation's main roads.

Back in the snaking petrol lines, patience runs thin, which has at times led to fist fights.

Sensing the fuel shortage was becoming an election issue, Chakwera has tried to tackle it head-on.

In a televised address, eight days before polls open, he acknowledged the frustration and apologised. The president then turned his fire on allegedly corrupt officials who he accused of deliberately sabotaging the oil market.

Like fuel, new job opportunities are also hard to come by. To put food on the table, young men have been selling petrol and diesel using small plastic containers at five times the official price.

The effect of the economic troubles on young people could be particularly significant in this election – as around half of registered voters are under the age of 35.

And yet the two leading presidential candidates are considerably older. Chakwera is 70 and Mutharika is 85.

Mutharika's election convoy has made several stops in villages where supporters argue that life was better when he was in office, emphasizing the nostalgic sentiment amidst current hardships.

As the election approaches, Malawians are hopeful for a leader who will prioritize food and fuel security, critical issues weighing heavily on voters' minds.