African View/ September 20, 2025
Malawians are anxiously waiting for the official results of the country’s September 16 general elections, which could reshape the nation’s political landscape. The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says more than 99% of ballots have been counted but has urged for patience as it finalizes the tally ahead of the September 23 legal deadline.
Seventeen candidates contested the presidency, but the race is widely seen as a showdown between incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and former President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Former presidents Joyce Banda and Atupele Muluzi, along with several new entrants, also added weight to the crowded field.
Both the MCP and DPP have claimed early victory, raising tensions in a country still haunted by the controversial 2019 polls that were cancelled due to fraud. That historic court ruling led to a fresh vote in 2020, which Chakwera won.
The election comes as Malawi faces its toughest economic crisis in decades. Soaring inflation, chronic fuel shortages, and rising food prices dominated campaign debates, with many voters calling for urgent reforms to ease hardship.
“People are struggling every day, and whoever wins must put the economy first,” said one voter in Lilongwe, reflecting widespread frustration.
The election is also seen as a crucial test for Malawi’s democratic institutions. Under current law, a candidate must secure over 50% of votes to avoid a runoff. Observers say the possibility of a second round appears to be large, given the crowded field.
International and local monitors have urged transparency and calm as results are compiled. The MEC insists it will only release official results once due process is complete, warning parties against inflaming tensions with premature victory claims.
With the deadline for official results set for September 23, all eyes remain on Blantyre, where the MEC headquarters is based. Whether Malawians head to a runoff or accept a first-round winner, the outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for governance, economic policy, and political stability in the southern African nation.
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