The 2025 Malawian general election, held on September 16, remains a closely watched contest as partial results reveal former President Peter Mutharika taking an early lead over the incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera. Official figures released by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) show that Mutharika has garnered approximately 203,440 votes against Chakwera’s 153,507 votes, based on tallies from 34 of the 36 councils in the country. The commission continues to verify results at its National Tally Centre in Lilongwe, with final official results expected by September 24.
A total of 4.6 million Malawians participated in the election out of 7.2 million registered voters, resulting in a turnout rate of about 51 per cent, a decline from the 64 per cent recorded in the last general election in 2020. The presidential race features seventeen candidates, but the primary focus remains on the rivalry between Mutharika, 85, and Chakwera, 70, who have faced off multiple times in previous elections.
Mutharika, who served as president from 2014 to 2020, has campaigned on his administration’s achievements in infrastructure development and inflation reduction, despite accusations of cronyism. Chakwera, a former pastor, ascended to office following the 2020 rerun of the 2019 annulled election and pledged to tackle corruption and economic challenges. However, his leadership faced criticism for a slow and selective approach to anti-corruption efforts amid persistent economic difficulties, which include over 20 per cent inflation and climate-induced challenges such as severe cyclones and drought impacting agriculture.
The election is legally bound by the rule that a presidential candidate must secure at least 50 per cent plus one vote of the valid votes cast to win outright. If no candidate achieves this majority, a runoff election must be held within 60 days of the announcement of the results.
Amid the vote tallying, authorities arrested eight data entry clerks suspected of attempting to manipulate election figures, reflecting heightened vigilance following the annulled 2019 election, which was invalidated due to evidence of vote tampering such as correction fluid usage on official results. Both the ruling Malawi Congress Party and opposition parties have filed complaints alleging irregularities during the counting process, while the MEC emphasises ongoing verification to ensure transparency and accuracy.
Observers from regional bodies, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, have commended the peaceful conduct of the elections so far. As Malawi awaits the complete and verified election results, the outcome will shape the country’s political trajectory amid ongoing economic and social challenges.