By Joe Udo
LILONGWE (CONVERSEER) – Former Malawian president Peter Mutharika has taken an early lead in the country’s presidential election, according to provisional results released from a quarter of the councils.
Mutharika, 85, is reported to have secured about 51 percent of votes cast, compared to 39 percent for incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, Reuters reported on Sunday. The election, held on 16 September, had been widely predicted by observers to be a closely fought contest between the two main rivals.
Chakwera, who has led Malawi since 2020, has faced mounting criticism over economic stagnation during his tenure. A combination of high inflation — above 20 percent for more than three years — alongside drought and a devastating cyclone, has left many Malawians struggling with food insecurity.
Mutharika, who governed from 2014 to 2020, is campaigning on a promise to restore stability and prosperity. His administration was credited with reducing inflation and improving infrastructure, though he was also accused of favouritism and cronyism.
Chakwera came into power with a pledge to tackle corruption, but opponents have criticised his handling of graft cases as selective and sluggish.
The Malawi Electoral Commission has until 24 September to publish the full provisional results. It has cautioned candidates against prematurely claiming victory, stressing that all tally sheets are being carefully cross-checked for accuracy.
Under Malawian law, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the valid votes to avoid a run-off.
This election has revived memories of 2019, when the constitutional court annulled Mutharika’s re-election over irregularities, including the use of correction fluid on results sheets. Chakwera went on to win the 2020 re-run, becoming president.
