Former Malawian president Peter Mutharika appears to be on course for a dramatic political comeback, taking a commanding lead over incumbent Lazarus Chakwera in the 16 September presidential election. According to partial tallies released Monday, the 85-year-old opposition leader has captured roughly 68% of the vote from 24 of the nation’s 36 councils. Chakwera, 70, of the governing Malawi Congress Party, trails far behind with about 24%.
To win outright, a contender must secure over 50% of ballots cast; otherwise, the race proceeds to a runoff. Mutharika, head of the Democratic Progressive Party, previously ruled from 2014 until his 2020 defeat by Chakwera in a court-ordered re-run prompted by allegations of electoral malpractice.
Chakwera’s first term has coincided with a deteriorating economy, fuelling voter frustration and creating an opening for his predecessor, whose earlier tenure is often credited with infrastructure upgrades and lower inflation. Yet Mutharika’s record is not without controversy—he has been accused of favouritism and entrenched patronage networks, charges he rejects.
The Malawi Electoral Commission has until 24 September to certify the final outcome, which will determine whether Mutharika’s apparent resurgence translates into a formal return to power or a second-round showdown.
