Malawi turns to 85-year-old former president as economic hardship shapes election outcome
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has accepted defeat in the recent presidential election, paving the way for a return of former president Peter Mutharika.
The vote comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, including high inflation and fuel shortages.
“It is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution,” said Chakwera, 70, in a national address.
“It was clear that my rival, Peter Mutharika, has an insurmountable lead over me,” he added. “In the days that remain, I want you to know that I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power.”
The September 16 vote featured three key candidates: Chakwera, Mutharika (who led the country from 2014 to 2020), and Joyce Banda (president from 2012 to 2014). Although the Electoral Commission was expected to announce final results later on Wednesday, early figures showed Mutharika ahead.
According to Reuters, Mutharika secured around 66% of the valid votes in 24 out of the country’s 36 councils. Chakwera trailed with about 24%.
Since Chakwera took office in 2020, Malawi’s economy has struggled. Inflation rose to 33%, and prices of essentials like food, maize, and fertiliser climbed. The World Bank reports that nearly 75% of Malawians live on less than \$3 a day, and about half the population lacks adequate daily nutrition.
Chakwera ran on a promise to tackle corruption, but critics said his efforts were slow and selective.
Mutharika, a former law professor now 85 years old, was credited during his previous term with building infrastructure and controlling inflation. But his leadership also faced allegations of cronyism, which he denied.
His 2019 election win was later overturned by the courts due to irregularities, including the use of correction fluid on results sheets. Chakwera won the re-run held the following year.
Mutharika is now poised to become one of Africa's oldest presidents, only bested by Cameroon's ever-present leader, Paul Biya, at 92. Biya is also seeking reelection in Cameroon's October 12 election that could keep him in office until just months shy of a century.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
