Malawians are waiting to find out who their next president will be as polls have closed in most parts of the country and counting has started.
Thousands of people queued outside polling stations on Tuesday to vote for a president, MPs, and local councillors, keenly hoping to effect change in a country swamped by economic troubles. Some are still voting in areas where polling started late.
In his campaign for a second term, current President Lazarus Chakwera pledged to fix Malawi's economy - as did his main rival, octogenarian former leader Peter Mutharika.
If no candidate wins more than half the votes, the top two contenders will head to a run-off.
Malawi has long been one of the poorest countries in the world, but recent times have been especially punishing with food costs rising at more than 30% in the last year. Frustrated voters expressed their desire for change, highlighting the economic issues weighing heavily on their lives.
Election officials reported that 3.7 million voters had cast their ballots by the close of polls, indicating a strong civic engagement despite economic hardships.
As the results await, tension builds, with many hoping for a government that will address their pressing needs, creating a pathway for a more prosperous future.
