Lilongwe — Malawi’s former president Peter Mutharika has returned to power at the age of 85, defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera in the country’s September 16 presidential election.
According to official results, Mutharika secured 56% of the vote, while Chakwera trailed with about 33%. Chakwera conceded defeat in a televised address before the Malawi Electoral Commission formally announced the outcome, pledging respect for the constitution and a peaceful transfer of power.
The win marks a dramatic comeback for Mutharika, who previously led Malawi from 2014 until 2020. His 2019 re-election was annulled by the Constitutional Court over irregularities, leading to a historic rerun in which Chakwera emerged victorious. Five years later, voters have turned back to Mutharika amid widespread economic hardship.
Malawians went to the polls against the backdrop of rising inflation, food shortages, and climate shocks. Inflation has remained above 20% for much of the past year, while natural disasters such as Cyclone Freddy and recurring droughts have battered agriculture and strained livelihoods.
Mutharika, who will become one of the world’s oldest elected heads of state, campaigned on promises to stabilize the economy, reduce the cost of living, and restore confidence in government. His Democratic Progressive Party also regained ground in parliamentary races held alongside the presidential poll.
The election was Malawi’s seventh multi-party vote since the end of one-party rule in 1994. Observers have praised the peaceful nature of the ballot, though the challenges facing the incoming administration remain immense.
