Peter Mutharika Wins Malawi Presidential Election, Defeating Incumbent Lazarus Chakwera

Former president secures a decisive victory as Chakwera concedes defeat in Malawi’s 2025 election

Lilongwe, Malawi — Former president Peter Mutharika has won Malawi’s presidential election with a clear majority, according to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC). The commission announced that Mutharika received about 56.8% of the vote, while incumbent Lazarus Chakwera secured roughly 33%.

Reuters reported that Chakwera conceded defeat just hours before the official results were released, saying he would “respect the will of the people and the constitution.” Al Jazeera also confirmed the outcome, citing official figures from the electoral body.

The Guardian highlighted that widespread economic hardship, inflation, and shortages of fuel and food played a central role in shaping voter sentiment, weakening Chakwera’s re-election bid.

Mutharika previously served as president from 2014 to 2020 before the Constitutional Court annulled the 2019 election and ordered a re-run that brought Chakwera to power. His return, as AP News noted, marks a dramatic political comeback and signals a major shift in Malawi’s political landscape.

While international observers praised the peaceful conduct of the vote, some opposition groups raised concerns about transparency in the counting process, recalling Malawi’s history of contested elections.

Mutharika is expected to take office in the coming weeks, facing the immediate challenge of addressing Malawi’s deepening economic crisis.