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Malawi’s Ex-President Peter Mutharika Wins Election at 85
Malawi’s former president Peter Mutharika has won last week’s elections in a stunning political comeback at the age of 85. Official results released by the electoral commission show Mutharika secured 57% of the vote, defeating President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, who managed 33%.
Chakwera conceded defeat before the final announcement, calling Mutharika to congratulate him on what he described as a “historic win.” In his concession speech, the outgoing leader said: “The anomalies do not necessarily mean that the election result projecting Professor Mutharika as the winner is not credible or a reflection of the will of the people.” He added that he accepted the outcome out of respect for Malawians’ “collective will to have a change of government.”
Mutharika, a former law professor, previously served as Malawi’s president from 2014 to 2020, when he was defeated by Chakwera in a rerun election after his 2019 victory was annulled by the courts over widespread irregularities. This latest election marked the fourth time the two men faced off at the ballot box.
Supporters of Mutharika flooded the streets of Lilongwe after the concession speech, chanting “adadi,” which means father in Chichewa, and “achoke,” meaning “he must go,” in reference to Chakwera. Celebrations continued late into the night, with motorists honking horns, music blaring, and crowds singing and dancing. Some were seen tearing down posters of the outgoing president and stamping on his image.
The election commission said it used the full eight days allowed to announce the results to verify the vote and address complaints.
Mutharika inherits a struggling economy facing soaring inflation near 30%, foreign currency shortages, fuel scarcity, and the cost of basic items such as frozen chicken reaching $20 in a country where most citizens survive on less than $2 a day. Corruption scandals, high living costs, power cuts, and worsening economic conditions during Chakwera’s presidency fuelled widespread frustration and demands for change.
Although many of the challenges predate Chakwera’s administration, his critics say they worsened under his leadership. His allies, however, blamed the crisis on external shocks including natural disasters, the Covid pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.
Mutharika’s campaign slogan, “a return to proven leadership,” struck a chord with voters, recalling his first term when he succeeded in curbing inflation. However, questions remain about his health and stamina, as he made only limited public appearances during the campaign.
The swearing-in ceremony for Mutharika must take place within seven to 30 days of the result being declared.
