Malawi polls: Mutharika poised for victory

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is facing mounting pressure to release the official results of the 2025 presidential election, as verified tallies show former President Arthur Peter Mutharika holding an unassailable lead over incumbent Lazarus Chakwera. With 98% of votes counted, Mutharika has secured 62% of the national vote, while Chakwera trails at 34%. Analysts […]

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is facing mounting pressure to release the official results of the 2025 presidential election, as verified tallies show former President Arthur Peter Mutharika holding an unassailable lead over incumbent Lazarus Chakwera.

With 98% of votes counted, Mutharika has secured 62% of the national vote, while Chakwera trails at 34%.

Analysts say that even if the remaining 2% of ballots were allocated entirely to Chakwera, the outcome would remain unchanged.

Opposition parties, civil society groups, and international observers have urged the MEC to act swiftly to avoid political tension. “Delays in announcing results could fuel unnecessary unrest,” warned a political analyst in Lilongwe.

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Observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other missions have described the process as “largely credible,” but emphasised the need for transparency and a timely conclusion.

The pressure on MEC is intensifying as Malawians grow impatient. The commission has until September 24 to announce the final presidential results, barring any legal delays.

Electronic transmission via Smartmatic devices was used to enhance efficiency, though concerns persist over transparency and technical glitches, particularly in rural areas.

Civic groups have raised questions about the opacity of the Electronic Management Devices (EMDs), calling for greater accountability.

Malawi’s 2025 tripartite elections officially opened on Tuesday, with over 7.2 million registered voters casting ballots for president, parliament, and local government councillors.

 

Mutharika’s resurgence

Mutharika’s performance marks a dramatic political comeback. At 85, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate has reclaimed strong support in the Southern and Eastern regions, where voter turnout was notably high.

His return to the political forefront comes five years after losing the presidency in the 2020 re-run, which followed the annulment of the 2019 election due to irregularities.

Meanwhile, President Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), who won the 2020 re-run, has struggled to maintain momentum.

His support base in the Central Region failed to deliver the numbers needed to close the gap. The economic crisis marked by 27% inflation, fuel shortages, and widespread poverty has further eroded public confidence in his administration.

“The masses are tired of promises. We need leaders who will address hunger and joblessness,” said a voter in Lilongwe, reflecting the mood of many Malawians.

Over 70% of the population lives below the international poverty line, and youth frustration has driven high turnout, amplified by online campaigns like #MalawiDecides2025.

Women also make up 57% of the electorate, a demographic that played a significant role in shaping the outcome.

This election is Malawi’s second under the 50% +1 rule, which requires a candidate to secure an outright majority to avoid a run-off.

With Mutharika’s current margin, the possibility of a second round has been ruled out. “Even if all remaining votes went to Chakwera, the final result would remain unchanged,” noted an election observer.

Seventeen presidential candidates were cleared to contest. The race was widely seen as a three-way contest between Chakwera, Mutharika, and Joyce Banda of the People’s Party (PP). Banda, Malawi’s first female president, returned from exile to re-enter the race, hoping to reclaim her political relevance after a corruption scandal forced her exit in 2014.

Other notable contenders included Dalitso Kabambe of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), a former Reserve Bank Governor, and Atupele Muluzi of the United Democratic Front (UDF), son of former President Bakili Muluzi.

Despite their credentials, none of the alternative candidates gained enough traction to challenge the dominance of the top two contenders.

The tripartite elections, covering presidential, parliamentary, and local council seats, saw over 7.2 million registered voters participate. Parliamentary and council races remain competitive, with over 2,000 candidates vying for 229 National Assembly seats and 509 council positions.

International observers from the regional bloc – the African Union (AU), SADC, and the Commonwealth have maintained a presence throughout the process.

The MEC has pledged a free, fair, and transparent process, but incidents of political violence during the campaign and logistical challenges in remote regions have tested its capacity. Despite these hurdles, the commission has been commended for its professionalism and commitment to electoral integrity.

As Malawians await the final declaration, the stakes remain high, not only for the candidates but for the country’s democratic trajectory. A peaceful and credible conclusion could reinforce Malawi’s reputation as a regional model for electoral integrity.