Malawi’s presidential election is heading toward a likely run-off as preliminary tallies suggest neither of the two frontrunners—incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera nor his predecessor, former President Peter Mutharika—is on track to secure the constitutionally required 50%+1 majority. Reports indicate that the contest remains highly competitive, reflecting a deeply divided electorate grappling with economic challenges and political uncertainty.
Millions of citizens cast their ballots on Tuesday in what is being described as one of the most consequential elections since the country’s transition to multiparty democracy. Voters not only selected their next president but also chose new members of parliament, making the stakes particularly high. In the capital, Blantyre, campaign activity had reached a fever pitch in the days leading up to the vote, with major rallies, door-to-door mobilization, and last-minute appeals to undecided voters.
Observers from regional and international bodies, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), were deployed across the country to monitor the polls. Their presence underscored the importance of the election as a test of Malawi’s democratic institutions. This was the first national election since President Chakwera took office in 2020, following the annulment of the disputed 2019 results by the country’s Constitutional Court—a ruling hailed across Africa as a landmark for judicial independence.
The current political contest has rekindled old rivalries. President Chakwera, 70, campaigned on a message of continuity and reform, pledging to stabilize the economy, combat corruption, and expand social welfare programs. However, he has faced growing criticism over inflation, unemployment, and rising food prices, issues that have dominated national discourse.
His main rival, 84-year-old Peter Mutharika, has leveraged these frustrations to galvanize support, presenting himself as the leader capable of steering Malawi out of what he calls an “economic collapse.” During his nationwide campaign tours, Mutharika accused the incumbent of failing to deliver on promises made five years ago, vowing to restore economic stability, attract investment, and prioritize infrastructure development.
The introduction of the 50%+1 threshold in 2020 has significantly altered Malawi’s electoral landscape. Previously, presidents could be elected with only a plurality of votes, which often left winners with limited legitimacy in the eyes of the public. Now, the requirement ensures that the victor commands majority support, but it also raises the likelihood of run-off elections in closely contested races such as this one.
Analysts note that a run-off could further heighten political tensions in the country of nearly 21 million people, as both major parties mobilize resources and sharpen their messaging for a second round of voting. Smaller opposition candidates, though unlikely to win outright, may become kingmakers by endorsing one of the leading contenders in exchange for political concessions.
While polling day was largely peaceful, reports of logistical challenges—such as delays in the distribution of ballot materials in some rural districts—have emerged. Election officials have assured the public that these issues did not compromise the integrity of the vote. The Malawi Electoral Commission has until seven days after polling to officially announce the results, but early signs point to a fiercely contested race that may ultimately be decided in a second round.
For Malawians, this election represents more than just a political contest—it is a referendum on leadership during a time of economic hardship and a measure of how resilient the country’s democratic institutions remain in the face of growing political polarization.
