Former President Peter Mutharika, 85, holds a commanding lead in Malawi’s presidential race, capturing approximately 66% of valid votes from two-thirds of the country’s districts, according to provisional results released by the Malawi Electoral Commission. Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, trails significantly with about 24%, though his campaign remains optimistic about narrowing the gap in remaining areas.
Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party has secured victories in unexpected strongholds for Chakwera, including the capital Lilongwe and Nkhotakota district. A candidate requires more than 50% of the national vote to win outright and avoid a runoff; with the September 16 election’s full tally due by the end of September 24, anticipation is high amid economic hardships driving voter sentiment.
Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party insists that unreported results from populous districts, such as rural zones around Lilongwe and Dedza, will boost his share and potentially trigger a second round. Meanwhile, the commission has withheld tallies from two Mutharika-leaning districts for verification to ensure accuracy. The commission emphasized its dedication to transparency and credibility, rigorously reviewing every tally sheet in light of the 2019 election annulment due to irregularities like altered forms—a decision that led to Chakwera’s landslide victory in the 2020 rerun.
Malawi’s economy has deteriorated under Chakwera, plagued by inflation exceeding 20% for over three years, food and fuel shortages from climate-induced cyclones and droughts, and frequent power outages. Mutharika, a former law professor credited with past infrastructure gains and inflation control, faces criticism for alleged cronyism, which he denies. Chakwera entered office vowing anti-corruption reforms but has drawn fire for slow and selective enforcement.
Tensions escalated Friday when Chakwera’s party alleged “irregularities” and “serious anomalies,” demanding a physical audit without specifics. Police arrested eight data entry clerks accused of result manipulation. The commission has cautioned both camps against premature victory claims, underscoring the need for patience as the process unfolds.
