Chakwera Concedes Defeat in Malawi Election

Southerton Business Times
Sep 21, 2025
2 min read

Man in a suit waves from a sunroof, holding a black, red, and green flag. Background shows a cloudy sky, conveying a cheerful mood. — President Lazarus Chakwera concedes defeat to Peter Mutharika (image source)

President Lazarus Chakwera has formally conceded defeat to Peter Mutharika after the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) confirmed that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate secured a narrow majority in the September 16 vote. Chakwera pledged to facilitate a peaceful transition and urged citizens to unite behind the incoming administration.

Chakwera’s concession followed days of competing victory claims by the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the DPP, both asserting leads based on partial results. The MEC confirmed that Mutharika won with 51.3 percent of valid ballots, while Chakwera trailed on 46.7 percent. Voter turnout topped 60 percent of the 7.2 million registered electorate, highlighting strong public engagement despite political tension.

“Democracy demanded that I respect the will of the people. I congratulate President-elect Mutharika and stand ready to smooth his path for the good of Malawi.”— President Lazarus Chakwera

Electoral Context and Observers

Observers had warned that premature declarations by party camps risked undermining confidence in the process. Gift Trapence, vice chair of the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum, called for calm until the MEC completed its work—a plea echoed by local and international monitors.

Economic Hardship and Public Sentiment

Chakwera’s single term was overshadowed by one of Malawi’s worst economic crises. Inflation has hovered above 27 percent, driving up the cost of maize—the country’s staple—by 30 percent over the last year. Chronic foreign currency shortages triggered fuel queues and frequent power blackouts, crippling small enterprises and public services.

Youth activists and analysts say economic hardship shaped voter decisions.

“Malawians don’t need more promises—they need stability and opportunity.”— Charles Chisambo, youth advocacy leader

Many voters criticized Chakwera for failing to contain price hikes and attract investment. Allegations of nepotism, underperformance in key ministries, and delayed infrastructure projects further eroded public confidence. Political analyst Chris Nhlane noted:

“The focus on patronage weakened the administration’s ability to deliver on its development agenda.”

Mutharika’s Campaign and Electoral Outcome

Mutharika capitalized on these grievances, campaigning on a pledge to revive the economy using his record on road and energy projects from his first presidency (2014–2019). Chakwera’s 2020 victory had followed a landmark constitutional court annulment of the flawed 2019 election, making his 2020 win one of Africa’s rare judicial interventions in national elections. That rerun had unseated Mutharika with nearly 60 percent of the vote.

The narrow 2025 margin reflects a polarized electorate split between hope for continuity and demand for change.

Transition and Next Steps

Mutharika is scheduled for inauguration on 28 September 2025. Chakwera has offered to chair a transition committee to ensure a smooth handover of security, fiscal, and diplomatic portfolios. Civil society groups have urged both parties to uphold constitutional norms and avoid reprisals.

As Malawi prepares for the new administration, stakeholders will closely watch whether Mutharika can stabilize the economy, restore public confidence, and navigate regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).