Malawi is poised for a critical general election on September 16, 2025, with incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera facing off against former leader Peter Mutharika in a high-stakes contest amid severe economic challenges and deep public skepticism over corruption and electoral integrity. This election marks the third direct confrontation between Chakwera and Mutharika, set against a backdrop of rising inflation, fuel shortages, and the lingering shadow of past electoral controversies that have shaped the nation’s democratic journey.
The upcoming vote involves 7.2 million registered voters choosing a president, 229 parliamentary representatives, and 509 local councillors, with 17 presidential candidates in the fray. Chakwera, leading the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), seeks a second term after his 2020 victory in a court-ordered rerun, while Mutharika, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), aims to reclaim the presidency he held from 2014 to 2020. Both front-runners carry baggage: Chakwera’s tenure has been marred by economic turmoil and unfulfilled anti-corruption promises, whereas Mutharika, at 85, faces questions about his health and his own history of graft allegations.
Key issues dominating the campaign include the economy, which has been crippled by inflation hovering around 27%, chronic foreign currency shortages, and recent nationwide power outages. A devastating cyclone in 2023 and subsequent drought have exacerbated food insecurity, pushing many citizens deeper into poverty. Corruption remains a central concern, with Chakwera’s administration criticized for failing to appoint a permanent head to the Anti-Corruption Bureau and dropping charges against high-profile figures, undermining his pledge to root out graft.
The death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima in a June 2023 plane crash adds a layer of tension, as some opposition groups fuel suspicions about the incident, despite official investigations ruling out foul play. Chilima, who was popular among youth and led the UTM party, had fallen out with Chakwera and could have been a significant contender, leaving a vacuum that opposition parties are exploiting to question government transparency.
Historical context looms large, as Malawi’s 2019 presidential election was annulled by the Constitutional Court due to widespread irregularities, including ballot tampering with correction fluid. The court’s bold move in ordering a rerun was hailed internationally for upholding democracy, but it has also instilled a cautious optimism mixed with fear of repeat malpractices. A new electoral rule requires a candidate to secure over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff, increasing the likelihood of coalition-building post-election.
Concerns about the fairness of the upcoming vote persist, with civil society groups and opposition parties accusing the electoral commission of bias toward the ruling MCP, citing alleged links between commission officials and the party. Reports of politically motivated violence, including a machete attack on protestors in June, have raised alarms about freedom of expression and safety during the campaign period.
The results of the presidential election are expected by September 24, with parliamentary outcomes due by September 30. This election is not just a choice between leaders but a referendum on Malawi’s ability to overcome economic hardship, corruption, and democratic fragility, with implications for stability in the region. The outcome could hinge on whether voters prioritize Chakwera’s infrastructure projects, like revived train services, or Mutharika’s perceived economic management, but ultimately, it will test the resilience of Malawi’s institutions and the public’s faith in their electoral process.