Blantyre, Malawi – September 25, 2025 In a stunning comeback, former Malawian President Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has reclaimed the presidency of Malawi, securing a decisive victory in the 2025 general elections and ousting incumbent Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party(MCP), after a single turbulent term. Mutharika, who is 85 years old clinched 56.8% of the valid votes, according to official results announced by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) yesterday evening. This landslide triumph, projected by broadcasters and confirmed in the final tallies, marks Mutharika’s return to power five years after his narrow 2019 win, which was annulled amid fraud allegations.
The announcement came after 8pm local time on September 24 from the MEC’s headquarters in Blantyre, capping a nail-biting week of vote counting that gripped the nation. With over 7 million registered voters casting ballots on September 16 amid economic woes like rampant inflation, insufficient medicine in hospitals and food shortages, Mutharika’s win reflects widespread voter fatigue with Chakwera’s administration, particularly in his Southern Region stronghold where margins soared above 70% in key districts.
A Graceful Concession Precedes the Official Verdict
In a move that underscored Malawi’s maturing democracy, President Chakwera preempted the MEC’s declaration by convening a press conference at midday on September 24, a few hours before the evening reveal. Addressing the nation from the State House in Lilongwe, the 70-year-old Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader conceded defeat, congratulating Mutharika on his “insurmountable lead” and pledging a seamless transfer of power. “The people of Malawi have spoken, and I respect their verdict,” Chakwera stated, urging supporters to remain peaceful despite earlier MCP efforts to challenge the tally through a failed High Court injunction. His words, broadcast live on national television, drew praise from international observers for promoting stability in a region prone to post-election unrest. Chakwera’s early concession averted potential flashpoints, especially after the MCP’s desperate legal bid on September 23 to halt the results announcement was swiftly dismissed by Judge Howard Pemba, who cited insufficient evidence of irregularities. The gesture echoed the court’s 2019 intervention that nullified Mutharika’s prior win, but this time, it signaled closure rather than contestation. As crowds of jubilant DPP supporters flooded streets in Blantyre and Chiradzulu, chanting “Professor is back,” Chakwera’s camp emphasized unity, with the president vowing to collaborate on national healing during the transition.
Echoes of a Hard-Fought Campaign
The 2025 polls, the fourth contest between Mutharika and Chakwera, unfolded against a backdrop of hardship exacerbated by Cyclone Freddy’s 2023 devastation, persistent fuel crises and high cost of fertilizer. Voter turnout was about 76%, with largely peaceful voting marred only by isolated violence in urban centers like Lilongwe. Partial tallies had shown Mutharika surging to over 56% with 66% of votes counted by September 23, buoyed by strong Southern support and gains in the Center. Chakwera trailed at 33%, while third-placed UTM candidate Dalitso Kabambe netted just 4%. The arrest of eight polling officials on suspicion of tampering in areas traditionally favoring the MCP heightened tensions. However, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa reassured the public of the process’s integrity, emphasizing the cross-verification of results from over 4,000 polling stations. Indeed MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja has garnered widespread praise and admiration for her handling of the elections. Both European Union and Commonwealth election observers commended the transparency of the process, drawing a stark contrast to the chaotic 2019 elections. Mutharika’s campaign, laser-focused on agricultural revival and infrastructure, resonated with rural voters weary of economic stagnation under Chakwera.
A New Chapter for the Warm Heart of Africa
Mutharika’s victory, his second non-consecutive term – provides the Yale-educated law politician an opportunity to redeem the legacy of his first term, which was characterised by corruption scandals, repression and widespread nepotism. And to do so, in the midst of pressing challenges, and at an advanced age.
To say that the task ahead is humongous, is an understatement. But Mutharika, and Jane Ansah his VP – who it must be said is quite capable, despite her role in the nullified 2019 elections, may be able to pull this off. But only if they listen to sound advice. And if they don’t make the very same mistakes which Chakwera’s MCP made.
Already there has been a long-running debate on generational politics in a youth-bulging nation, and what role the youth should play in building the new Malawi. Mutharika and Ansah will be best advised to heed these salient voices.
In terms of parliamentary seats, Mutharika inherits a coalition-dependent parliament where DPP gains may fall short of a majority, necessitating alliances for legislative muscle. Nevertheless, as tends to happen in Malawi’s rather “fluid” parliamentary politics, many independent MPs will join the ruling party, and some MCP MPs are likely to cross the floor, giving DPP sufficient number of MPs to work with. So in parliament, its unlikely that DPP will face significant hurdles.
In conclusion, Chakwera’s exit ends a presidency defined by maladministration and arrogance in the midst of significant challenges. He will be remembered as a president who made many unfulfilled promises, was reluctant to objectively listen to the voices of his critics, even within his own party, and who was punished at the ballot box. And while his concession has drawn global acclaim, with U.S. and UK envoys hailing it as a “model for Africa”, there is a strong realization within political circles in Malawi that if any political party takes Malawians for granted, their end will be similar to what has befallen Lazarus Chakwera and MCP in this election.
As celebrations continue and the nation exhales, one Lilongwe resident captured the mood: “We’ve chosen change – now let’s build together.” For Malawi, this electoral triumph reinforces democratic gains, proving that even while in economic pain and adversity, at least in Malawi – the ballot box remains a powerful force for forcing change.
malawiace.com 