Malawi 2025 Elections: Voters Head to the Polls Amid Economic Challenges

As dawn broke on Tuesday, Malawians began casting their votes in a pivotal presidential and parliamentary election, a process that comes after five tumultuous years marked by economic hardship and political strife. The nation, located in southern Africa, is grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis that has become a central concern for voters as they head to the polls.

Key Candidates

The primary contest is between incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, seeking a second term, and his main rival, Peter Mutharika, an octogenarian and former president who previously held office from 2014 to 2020. This election marks the fourth time Chakwera and Mutharika have faced each other at the ballot box, although one of their previous contests was annulled due to electoral irregularities.

Lazarus Chakwera: The Incumbent

Lazarus Chakwera, representing the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), is a former theology lecturer who entered politics relatively recently, becoming the MCP leader in 2013. After an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2014, he won a historic re-run election in 2020 against Mutharika, following a court ruling that annulled the previous election due to widespread fraud.

Chakwera’s administration has been marred by economic turmoil, with rising inflation and allegations of corruption. However, he has also made significant strides, such as reintroducing train services in Malawi for the first time in over three decades and overseeing extensive road construction projects.

Peter Mutharika: The Challenger

Peter Mutharika, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is 85 years old and the brother of former President Bingu wa Mutharika, who passed away while in office in 2012. His supporters argue that he managed the economy better than Chakwera, pointing to the current inflation rate, which stands at around 27%. Mutharika’s age and health have become points of concern, especially as he has been less visible during the campaign period.

In addition to Chakwera and Mutharika, other notable candidates include former President Joyce Banda of the People’s Party, current Vice-President Michael Usi from the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu party, and Dalitso Kabambe, the former reserve bank governor representing the UTM party.

Key Issues Facing Voters

Economic Hardships

Malawi has long struggled with poverty, but the past few years have been particularly harsh. The country was devastated by Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which resulted in hundreds of fatalities, followed by a drought that further exacerbated food shortages. These disasters have led to skyrocketing food prices, pushing many citizens into extreme poverty.

Economists attribute some of Malawi’s current inflation challenges to a shortage of foreign currency, which has impacted the economy significantly. The country has also faced currency devaluation, fuel shortages, and frequent power outages, all of which have contributed to a growing sense of urgency among voters.

Corruption Concerns

When Chakwera assumed office, he promised to tackle the pervasive corruption that has long plagued Malawian politics. His administration claims to have made progress in this area, but critics, including influential groups like the Catholic Church, argue that little has changed. Skepticism grew last year when the director of public prosecutions dropped corruption charges against several high-profile figures.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has also faced criticism for being without a director for over a year, which opponents argue hampers efforts to combat corruption. Mutharika himself has faced allegations, including accusations of receiving kickbacks related to police food supply contracts, which he denies. Banda’s administration was marred by the “cashgate” scandal, although she was cleared of wrongdoing by the ACB.

The Death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima

The political landscape was further complicated by the tragic death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash in June last year. Chilima, who led the UTM party and was popular among the youth, could have emerged as a significant contender in the elections. Investigations into the crash found no evidence of foul play, but suspicions linger among some citizens, fueled by opposition parties during their campaigns.

Historical Context of Elections in Malawi

Malawi transitioned from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy in 1994, with various parties, including the MCP, DPP, and People’s Party, alternating in power. Chakwera’s victory in 2020 was significant, as it followed a landmark court ruling that annulled the 2019 election results due to widespread electoral fraud.

The New Electoral System

In response to the controversies surrounding previous elections, Malawi has implemented a new voting system that requires a candidate to secure more than 50% of the total votes to win the presidency outright. If no candidate achieves this threshold, a run-off election will be held. The electoral commission is tasked with announcing the presidential results by September 24 and the parliamentary results by September 30.

Concerns Over Election Integrity

While the court’s actions post-2019 have instilled some confidence in the electoral process, concerns remain. Civil society organizations and opposition parties have accused the electoral commission of bias toward the MCP, a claim that the commission has firmly denied. Recent protests calling for the resignation of top electoral officials were met with violence, raising alarms about freedom of expression in the lead-up to the election.

As voting continues, many Malawians are hopeful for a fair and transparent electoral process that will address the pressing issues facing the nation.

Key Facts

– **Election Date**: Voting began on Tuesday, with polling stations opening at 04:00 GMT.
– **Registered Voters**: Approximately 7.2 million Malawians are eligible to vote.
– **Main Candidates**: Lazarus Chakwera (MCP) and Peter Mutharika (DPP).
– **Economic Context**: Malawi is facing a severe cost-of-living crisis, exacerbated by inflation and food shortages.
– **Corruption Allegations**: Both main candidates have faced allegations of corruption during their political careers.
– **Election System**: A candidate must secure over 50% of the vote to win; otherwise, a run-off will be held.

Source: www.bbc.com