By Edwin Mauluka
After being written off as too old for the job, the Malawi Electoral Commission on Wednesday declared Peter Mutharika, 85, president-elect and winner of the September 16, 2025 presidential election, defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, 70, in a dramatic comeback.
The victory — 57% to 33% of announced results — makes Mutharika the country’s seventh president since independence in 1964 and marks a stunning reversal for a leader many had dismissed as unfit for the demanding job of the presidency. Jubilant crowds poured into the streets following the declaration, celebrating deep into the night.
Analysts attribute the landslide win to widespread frustration with economic hardship under Chakwera’s administration. Prices of basic commodities such as maize, sugar, and cooking oil have soared, while persistent shortages of fuel and foreign reserves have battered households.
“This election was less about Mutharika and more of a referendum against Chakwera,” political scientist Boniface Dulani told The Nation. “People turned to Mutharika because he represents stability, and many hope he can restore order.”
Mutharika, who previously governed from 2014 to 2019, campaigned on reviving the economy and restoring trust in government. His win comes five years after he was ousted when a court-ordered rerun in 2020 handed victory to Chakwera and Saulos Chilima.
The declaration on Wednesday followed a failed legal attempt by the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to block MEC from releasing results. On Tuesday, the High Court dismissed MCP’s application for an injunction, though it allowed the party to pursue judicial review.
“Application for leave to apply for judicial review is granted,” ruled Justice Howard Pemba. “However, an order restraining the respondent from declaring or publishing final presidential results is not granted.”
The decision gave MEC the green light to finalize results, which were officially released the following day. MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the Commission had worked late into the night to complete the process.
Earlier in the day, President Chakwera conceded in a televised address from Kamuzu Palace, acknowledging the outcome and pledging a peaceful transition.
“I have accepted the results of the presidential election that the Malawi Electoral Commission has validated and released,” he said. “It is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution.”
Chakwera also applauded MEC for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent election.
Official results from 24 councils out of 36 had already given Mutharika a commanding lead of more than 2 million votes, making Wednesday’s declaration a formality.
For many Malawians, Mutharika’s comeback signals both relief and high expectations. With inflation running at 30% and the cost of living climbing, citizens are looking to the veteran leader to deliver on his promises of stability and economic revival.
