Malawi’s political landscape has taken a dramatic turn with the return of former President Peter Mutharika, who at 85 years old has been declared the winner of last week’s elections. The veteran politician secured 57% of the vote, defeating incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, who garnered 33%.
Chakwera, who first rose to prominence as a pastor before entering politics, conceded even before the official announcement, personally calling Mutharika to congratulate him on what he described as a “historic win.”
Mutharika previously governed Malawi from 2014 to 2020, when he was defeated by Chakwera in a rerun election ordered by the courts after widespread irregularities were found in the 2019 polls. This latest victory marks the fourth electoral contest between the two leaders, reigniting a rivalry that has defined much of Malawi’s recent democratic history.
Mutharika, a former professor of law, is also the younger brother of the late President Bingu wa Mutharika, who led the country until his death in 2012.
Mutharika takes office at a time when Malawi faces severe economic hardship. The country is battling soaring inflation, officially near 30%, with everyday essentials now out of reach for many citizens. A frozen chicken in Lilongwe supermarkets sells for around $20, in a nation where most people survive on less than $2 a day. Fuel shortages, depleted foreign reserves, and frequent power cuts have further deepened public frustration.
During the campaign, Mutharika’s message of a “return to proven leadership” struck a chord with voters disillusioned by rising costs of living and allegations of corruption under Chakwera’s administration. Critics argue that many of the current challenges, such as droughts, global market shocks, and the pandemic, were beyond Chakwera’s control, but the scale of economic decline weighed heavily against him.
In his concession speech, Chakwera acknowledged what he described as “irregularities” in the electoral process but stressed that they did not undermine the legitimacy of the overall outcome. He urged Malawians to respect the people’s choice, framing his decision to step aside as an act of responsibility in safeguarding the country’s stability.
News of Mutharika’s victory sparked jubilant celebrations in the capital. Supporters took to the streets, honking car horns, singing, and chanting “adadi, meaning father in Chichewa, to mark his return.
However, concerns remain about whether Mutharika, at his advanced age, has the stamina required to govern effectively. His relatively low public profile during the campaign fueled speculation about his health, in contrast to Chakwera’s visible and energetic rally presence.
The newly re-elected president now faces the daunting task of stabilizing Malawi’s fragile economy. During his first term, he was credited with keeping inflation under control, a record many voters hope he can repeat. Yet with international crises and structural weaknesses still pressing on Malawi, his leadership will be tested from the outset.
Mutharika is expected to be officially sworn in within the next seven to 30 days, ushering in what could be his most challenging political chapter yet, a comeback defined not only by his longevity but also by whether he can deliver meaningful relief to Malawians in desperate need of change.