Malawi’s former president Peter Mutharika is showing an early advantage in the country’s recent presidential election, according to provisional results released Sunday. With votes counted from roughly 25% of the nation’s councils, Mutharika holds 51% of the tally, ahead of incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, who trails with 39%.
The September 16 vote was widely expected to be a head to head contest between Mutharika and Chakwera, representing Malawi’s two dominant political parties. The stakes are high in a nation grappling with economic hardship, where inflation has hovered above 20% for over three years and recent natural disasters have deepened food insecurity.
Chakwera, 70, has faced mounting criticism over his handling of corruption cases, which many say has been slow and selective. His administration has struggled to deliver on promises of reform since taking office in 2020, following a court-ordered re-run of the 2019 election that annulled Mutharika’s previous victory due to irregularities.
Mutharika, now 85, is campaigning on a promise to restore economic stability. His previous tenure from 2014 to 2020 was marked by infrastructure improvements and lower inflation, though it was also shadowed by allegations of cronyism.
The electoral commission has until September 24 to release full provisional results and has cautioned candidates against declaring victory prematurely. Officials say every tally sheet is being carefully verified. To win outright, a candidate must secure more than 50% of valid votes; otherwise, the race will head to a runoff.
