Malawi held its presidential election on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with polls closing at 14:00 GMT.
President Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika are locked in a fierce battle. Economic woes and food shortages dominate voter concerns in this southern African nation, one of the world’s poorest.
Diverse Candidate Field
Fifteen other candidates, including former President Joyce Banda, joined the race. Malawi, a landlocked country with a large freshwater lake covering 20% of its territory, also voted for parliament and local councillors. The election’s outcome will shape policies for its 22 million people.
Runoff Election Likely
Analysts predict a runoff, as no candidate may secure over 50% of votes. Chakwera, 70, and Mutharika, 85, lead the pack.
The Malawi Electoral Commission will announce presidential results by September 24 and parliamentary results by September 30.
Economic and Climate Challenges
Since Chakwera’s 2020 victory, Malawi has faced economic stagnation. A cyclone and drought, tied to climate change, devastated crops, worsening poverty.
Inflation has topped 20% for over three years. About 75% of Malawians live below the World Bank’s $3 daily poverty line, and half lack sufficient nutrition.
Voters Voice Concerns
In Blantyre, butcher Patrick Tito said, “Beef prices soared from 8,000 to 15,000 kwacha per kilogram ($8.74).
Business is down. My vote should change this.” Alindiine Bellison, a 32-year-old maid, added, “Feeding my four kids is hard. I voted for someone to fix hunger.”
Corruption Allegations
Both leaders face corruption criticism. Mutharika, who served from 2014 to 2020, improved infrastructure but was accused of favoritism. Chakwera pledged to tackle graft but has been called slow and selective.
Voting and Technical Issues
Polls opened at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT). Minor issues with biometric fingerprint readers caused delays but were resolved. Voters used pens or inked fingerprints to mark ballots, ensuring accessibility.
Coalition Government Expected
Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party or Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party may need alliances with smaller parties for a parliamentary majority, analysts say.
History of Rivalry
Chakwera and Mutharika have clashed three times. In 2019, Mutharika’s win was annulled due to irregularities, leading to Chakwera’s 2020 rerun victory. Political scientist Boniface Dulani forecasts Mutharika leading but falling short of 50%, triggering a runoff.
Results and Impact
Results are expected within a week. This election will guide Malawi’s response to economic, food, and climate challenges, with voters seeking solutions to ongoing hardships.
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