Chakwera Concedes Defeat As Mutharika Regains Malawi Presidency
Politics Updated: 24 September 2025 14:56 EAT
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has conceded defeat in last week’s general election, clearing the path for former leader Peter Mutharika to make a dramatic political comeback. Chakwera announced on Tuesday that he was stepping down “out of respect for the will of the people and the constitution” and confirmed that he had already called Mutharika to congratulate him.
Partial results from the Malawi Electoral Commission showed Mutharika with a commanding advantage. Tallying from nearly two-thirds of districts indicated he had secured about 66 percent of the vote, compared with Chakwera’s 24 percent. Independent broadcaster Times Television also projected Mutharika’s victory with over 56 percent, leaving little doubt about the outcome ahead of the official declaration.
Chakwera’s concession brings to a close more than five years of leadership. He assumed the presidency on 28 June 2020 after a landmark court-ordered rerun of the annulled 2019 election, defeating Mutharika in what was celebrated at the time as a triumph for democracy. His tenure was defined by promises to strengthen governance, fight corruption, and improve Malawi’s international standing.
Although his presidency began with optimism, Chakwera faced mounting challenges including economic pressures, high inflation, and persistent criticism over the pace of reforms. Despite efforts to stabilize the economy and promote transparency, frustrations grew among voters who were eager for faster improvements in their daily lives.
With his exit, Chakwera passes the mantle back to Mutharika, who previously led the nation from 2014 to 2020. The official results are expected to be announced shortly, but the concession has effectively settled the race and signaled the start of a new chapter in Malawi’s political landscape.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD