Former President Peter Mutharika has taken a commanding lead in Malawi’s presidential election, according to provisional results covering two-thirds of the country’s districts.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) reported on Tuesday that Mutharika has secured approximately 66% of the votes counted so far. Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera trailed with just 24%, reflecting a dramatic shift in regions historically loyal to the sitting president.
With at least 12 districts, including rural areas around Lilongwe and Dedza, yet to report, Chakwera’s team remains hopeful that these strongholds could narrow the gap. However, results from two districts where Mutharika was expected to perform strongly have been temporarily suspended pending verification.
Under Malawi’s electoral law, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright and avoid a runoff. The MEC is expected to announce the final results by Wednesday, following the September 16 poll.
In response to the provisional tally, Chakwera’s team has called for a “physical audit” of the results, citing unspecified irregularities. Meanwhile, authorities have arrested eight data entry personnel accused of attempting to manipulate the vote count, raising concerns about election integrity.
The commission has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accuracy, mindful of the 2019 election controversy when Mutharika’s initial victory was overturned by the Constitutional Court due to irregularities. That historic decision led to a re-run in which Chakwera claimed a decisive victory in 2020.
Chakwera’s presidency was marked by significant economic challenges, including soaring inflation, fuel shortages, and persistent power outages, factors that analysts say may have contributed to the current electoral swing.
As Malawi awaits the final results, both domestic and international observers are closely monitoring the process, aware that the outcome will shape the country’s political and economic trajectory for years to come.
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