Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has conceded defeat in last week’s general election, acknowledging that opposition leader and former president Peter Mutharika had secured an “insurmountable lead.”
In a nationally televised address on Wednesday, Chakwera, 70, announced that he had already called Mutharika to congratulate him ahead of the official declaration of results by the electoral commission.
“A few minutes ago, I called Professor Mutharika to wish him well,” Chakwera said. “It was clear that my rival has an insurmountable lead over me.”
Political Turnaround
Chakwera, a former pastor and leader of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), rose to power in 2020 after defeating Mutharika in a court-sanctioned election rerun. His victory then was hailed as a milestone for African democracy.
Five years later, however, voters turned against him, with widespread discontent over economic mismanagement, corruption scandals, and unfulfilled promises of job creation dominating the campaign.
Economic Headwinds
During Chakwera’s presidency, Malawi’s fragile, agriculture-dependent economy was battered by soaring inflation, which climbed to 33%. Prices of maize—the national staple—and fertiliser also spiked, worsening food insecurity in rural areas.
The cost-of-living crisis became a central theme of the election, fueling public frustration and weakening Chakwera’s re-election prospects.
Peaceful Transition Pledge
Despite the loss, Chakwera assured citizens of a smooth handover of power.
“In the days that remain, I want you to know that I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power,” he said. “I know that many of you who supported my campaign for reelection will be disappointed.”
Mutharika, a constitutional law expert and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is now set to return to State House after his ouster five years ago.
The electoral commission is expected to formally declare the results later this week.
