Malawi's Crucial Presidential Elections Amidst Economic Challenges

Wed Oct 22 2025 17:38:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Malawians head to the polls to vote for their next president and parliament amidst a backdrop of rising living costs and economic turmoil. President Lazarus Chakwera seeks a second term against former leader Peter Mutharika.

On September 16, 2025, Malawi holds critical elections as President Lazarus Chakwera faces off against his long-time rival Peter Mutharika amid escalating economic hardship and notable fuel shortages. About 7.2 million registered voters will select not only the president but also parliamentary and local representatives. Chakwera's administration has been marked by challenges, including corruption allegations and inflation, while Mutharika seeks to reclaim power after a tumultuous prior tenure. The current situation highlights the importance of voter turnout and the need for a transparent electoral process.

Malawians are voting in presidential and parliamentary elections, following a turbulent five years that has seen the economic crisis worsening in the southern African nation.

President Lazarus Chakwera is vying for a second term, his main rival being Peter Mutharika, an octogenarian who has previously been in office.

In the cities, campaigning has been overshadowed by fuel shortages, which have led to long, frustrating queues at petrol stations. The rising cost of living has also been a major concern of voters.

A presidential run-off will be held if no candidate gets more than 50% of the votes cast in Tuesday's election.

What are Malawians voting for?

The 7.2 million registered voters will be taking part in three elections once polling stations open at 04:00 GMT:

Presidential - there are 17 candidates to choose from
Parliamentary - 229 constituency MPs will be elected
Local - 509 councillor positions are up for grabs.

Who could be the next president?

Among the 17 hopefuls there are two clear front-runners. Chakwera and Mutharika will square off against each other at the polls for the fourth time - though the third time ended up not counting.

Mutharika first defeated Chakwera in 2014, but when he was declared winner over Chakwera in the next election in 2019 the result was annulled. Chakwera won the re-run the following year.

What are the key issues for voters?

The economy

Malawi has long been one of the poorest countries in the world, but the past few years have been especially punishing. The country was devastated by Cyclone Freddy that killed hundreds of people in 2023, followed by a widespread drought. Food prices skyrocketed due to crop supply shortages, pushing many Malawians into extreme poverty.

Inflation and currency devaluation have also contributed to the dire economic conditions. The shortage of foreign currency in banks has exacerbated the situation, leading to fuel shortages and power outages across the nation.

Corruption

Chakwera promised to eliminate corruption, but critics argue his administration has not made significant progress in this area. The lack of a head at the Anti-Corruption Bureau for an extended period has been particularly troubling.

Some voters remain skeptical of both candidates due to allegations of corruption stemming from previous administrations, creating a challenging environment as Malawians seek an accountable government.

Will the elections be free and fair?

Though previous court interventions have fostered some trust in the electoral process, concerns about the independence of the electoral commission persist. Political violence and intimidation have cast doubt on the forthcoming elections, raising questions about their legitimacy.