Malawi Undergoes Elections Amid Economic Struggles

Tue Oct 21 2025 04:35:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Malawians head to the polls for presidential and parliamentary elections, facing a backdrop of rising living costs and political tension.

Malawi is holding crucial presidential and parliamentary elections, with President Lazarus Chakwera seeking re-election against his main rival, Peter Mutharika. The elections come after a turbulent economic period marked by fuel shortages and inflation. With over 7 million voters registered, the elections will be pivotal in shaping Malawi's future amid deepening concerns over corruption and the economy.

Malawians are voting in presidential and parliamentary elections, following a turbulent five years that has seen the economic crisis worsening in the southern African nation.

President Lazarus Chakwera is vying for a second term, his main rival being Peter Mutharika, an octogenarian who has previously been in office.

In the cities, campaigning has been overshadowed by fuel shortages, which have led to long, frustrating queues at petrol stations. The rising cost of living has also been a major concern of voters.

A presidential run-off will be held if no candidate gets more than 50% of the votes cast in Tuesday's election.

What are Malawians voting for?

The 7.2 million registered voters will be taking part in three elections once polling stations open at 04:00 GMT:

Presidential - there are 17 candidates to choose from
Parliamentary - 229 constituency MPs will be elected
Local - 509 councillor positions are up for grabs.

Who could be the next president?

Among the 17 hopefuls there are two clear front-runners.

Chakwera and Mutharika will square off against each other at the polls for the fourth time - though the third time ended up not counting.

Other contenders garnering attention are former president Joyce Banda, current Vice-President Michael Usi, and former reserve bank governor Dalitso Kabambe.

What are the key issues for voters?

The economy

Malawi has long been one of the poorest countries in the world, but the past few years have been especially punishing.

What has happened in previous elections?

Chakwera's victory with the MCP in 2020 was one of the most significant moments in the country's political history.

How will Tuesday's presidential vote work?

The electoral commission has established a new system where a candidate must gain more than 50% of the total votes to win the presidency in the first round.

Will the elections be free and fair?

Although some Malawians have faith in the electoral process, several civil society organizations and opposition parties have raised concerns about bias within the electoral commission.