Malawi’s High-Stakes 2025 Elections: What’s on the Line?

Malawians are preparing to vote in one of the most pivotal elections in their history. The upcoming polls come after five turbulent years marked by economic hardship, devastating natural disasters, and the shocking death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima.

Presidential Race in Focus

Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera is seeking a second term, facing his long-time rival Peter Mutharika. The two have clashed multiple times before, and this election marks their fourth showdown. With 17 candidates on the ballot, the presidential race is crowded, but Chakwera and Mutharika stand out as the clear frontrunners.

Election Day Details

Polling is scheduled for Tuesday, 16 September 2025. About 7.2 million registered voters will participate, choosing not only the president but also 229 members of parliament and 509 local councillors. This triple-layered vote will shape Malawi’s political future across all levels of governance.

Chakwera’s Record in Power

President Chakwera entered politics in 2013 after a career in theology and preaching. After two unsuccessful attempts, he claimed victory in the 2020 re-run election that followed the annulment of the 2019 results. His tenure has been overshadowed by economic instability and corruption allegations. Nevertheless, he has pushed forward with infrastructure projects, including the revival of train services after decades and major road construction.

Mutharika’s Bid for a Return

Peter Mutharika, an 85-year-old former lawyer and brother to the late President Bingu wa Mutharika, is vying for a comeback. His presidency from 2014 to 2020 was also marked by corruption accusations and economic challenges. Supporters argue that Malawi’s current 27% inflation rate shows he handled the economy more effectively than Chakwera. Yet, his advanced age and limited public appearances during the campaign raise questions about his health.

Other Contenders in the Mix

Beyond the two heavyweights, other notable candidates include former president Joyce Banda of the People’s Party, current Vice-President Michael Usi of Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, and ex-central bank governor Dalitso Kabambe of the UTM. While unlikely to win outright, these candidates could prove influential in a possible run-off election.

Economic Struggles Dominate Debate

Malawi remains one of the world’s poorest nations, and recent crises have worsened the situation. Cyclone Freddy in 2023 left widespread destruction, followed by a severe drought in 2024 that crippled food supplies. Inflation soared, foreign currency reserves dwindled, and rolling fuel shortages brought daily hardships. For many voters, economic management is the most pressing concern in this election.

Corruption Still a Burning Issue

Corruption has long plagued Malawi’s politics. Chakwera campaigned in 2020 on promises to eradicate graft, but critics say progress has been slow. The Catholic Church and other watchdogs accuse his government of failing to deliver, pointing to the absence of a director at the Anti-Corruption Bureau for over a year. Previous leaders, including Mutharika and Banda, have also faced corruption scandals, eroding public trust across administrations.

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Chilima’s Death and Lingering Questions

The sudden death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash last year continues to cast a shadow over the election. Popular with younger Malawians, Chilima was expected to play a central role in the political contest. Though official investigations found no evidence of foul play, suspicion lingers. Opposition parties have used the tragedy to fuel doubts about the government’s transparency.

Malawi’s Electoral Past

Since independence in 1964, Malawi has experienced a rotation of ruling parties, but few moments compare to the 2019 election crisis. That year’s results, which initially favored Mutharika, were overturned by the Constitutional Court due to irregularities. The subsequent 2020 re-run delivered Chakwera a landslide victory and earned the judiciary international praise for protecting democracy.

New Rules for 2025

To prevent similar controversies, Malawi now requires presidential candidates to win more than 50% of votes. If no candidate meets that threshold, a second round will be held. This system increases the likelihood of coalition-building between larger and smaller parties in order to secure a majority.

Concerns About Fairness and Security

Although the judiciary restored confidence in the electoral process in 2020, concerns persist. Civil society groups and opposition parties have accused the electoral commission of favoring the ruling party. Violent incidents, including attacks on protesters, have heightened fears about political intimidation and restricted freedom of expression.

When Results Will Be Known

The presidential results are expected by 24 September, while parliamentary outcomes will be declared by 30 September. For Malawians, the wait will be filled with anticipation and uncertainty, as the country prepares to decide whether Chakwera continues or Mutharika returns to power.

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