Malawi's former President Peter Mutharika has been declared the winner of last week's elections, in a huge comeback for the 85-year-old.
Official results show that he won 57% of the vote, compared to the 33% of President Lazarus Chakwera.
Chakwera, a pastor before entering politics, conceded defeat ahead of the final result, phoning Mutharika to congratulate him on his historic win.
Mutharika, a former professor of law, served as president from 2014 to 2020, when he lost to Chakwera by a wide margin.
He inherits an economy that is in deep crisis, with a severe shortage of fuel and foreign currency in the poor southern African state.
The official inflation rate is close to 30%, with a frozen chicken in a supermarket in the capital, Lilongwe, costing about $20 (£15), in a nation where most people live on $2 a day or less.
The election commission took the full eight days to announce the result to carefully check everything and address complaints first.
The 2019 election, also won by Mutharika, was annulled by the country's highest court due to widespread irregularities.
In his concession speech, Chakwera accepted the outcome while expressing concerns about irregularities and anomalies but respected the majority's will for a change of government.
The election result sparked celebrations among Mutharika's supporters in Lilongwe, with hundreds singing and dancing on the streets.
This result can be seen more as a rejection of Chakwera than a victory for Mutharika, amidst growing frustration over the previous administration's handling of issues like corruption and living costs.
Chakwera's allies blamed the ongoing crisis on external factors, including drought and the COVID pandemic.
Mutharika's campaign resonated with voters as he promised a return to proven leadership. However, he must now address the pressing economic challenges facing Malawi once more.
As Mutharika prepares to take office again, concerns about his health and stamina at the age of 85 are predominant.
The swearing-in ceremony is set to occur between seven and 30 days after the result announcement.
