By Edwin Mauluka
Independent presidential candidate Phunziro Mvula has conceded defeat in Malawi’s September 16, 2025 general election, becoming the first among the 17 contenders to do so.
His concession comes amid unconfirmed results showing him performing poorly, with former president Peter Mutharika and incumbent Lazarus Chakwera currently leading, while Dalitso Kabambe trails in third.
“Results from various corners of the country show that I cannot win,” Mvula admitted, extending best wishes to the eventual victor.
A retired military officer who left service at the rank of major, Mvula attributed his poor showing to limited financial resources that constrained his campaign.
He, however, pledged to contest again in 2030, expressing optimism that he would perform better with stronger preparation.
During the campaign, Mvula branded himself an “evolutionary” leader prepared to end six decades of “business as usual” since independence. His pledges included slashing government expenditure, reducing the cabinet to no more than 10 ministers, and eliminating luxury perks such as high-end vehicles for officials.
He also promised to cut the presidential salary and State House budget, redirecting the savings to fertiliser production, education, and health services.
On governance, Mvula vowed to fight corruption and enhance transparency by publishing monthly government expenditure reports. He also committed to ensuring Malawi’s natural resources, including minerals, were effectively managed to create wealth.
This year’s election is one of the most contested in Malawi’s history, with 17 presidential candidates, including incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), former president Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Vice President Michael Usi of the OZAM party, and former president Joyce Banda of the People’s Party. In total, 1,474 parliamentary aspirants competed across 15,148 polling stations.
