By Chisomo Phiri
On September 24,2025,Malawians witnessed an extraordinary moment in their democratic journey when out going President Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat in the presidential election held on September 16,2025.
In a political environment where clinging to power has too often been the norm across Africa, Chakwera’s graceful acceptance of the people’s verdict is nothing short of historic.
Conceding defeat is never easy. For a leader, it is a test of humility, patriotism, and maturity.
By placing the will of the people above personal ambition,Chakwera demonstrated what true statesmanship looks like.
He shown that leadership is not about holding onto power at all costs, but about serving citizens with dignity, even when the outcome is not favorable.
For Malawi, this moment represents a new dawn for democracy.
Chakwera’s concession reinforces the principle that power belongs to the people, and that leaders are merely custodians, not owners, of state authority.
It sets a powerful precedent for future elections that disputes can be handled peacefully, that democracy thrives on accountability, and that the ballot is stronger than the bullet.
The impact of this gesture goes beyond our borders.
In a continent often scarred by contested elections and prolonged political crises, Malawi now stands tall as a model of democratic practice.
Chakwera has added Malawi’s name to the short but growing list of African nations where sitting leaders respect the outcome of free and fair elections.
History will remember Chakwera not only as a president but as a democrat who loved his country more than the trappings of power.
His concession is a gift to Malawi’s democratic legacy, and a lesson to leaders everywhere as true greatness is found not in victory alone, but in how one handles defeat.
Chakwera became Malawi president in the 2020 court-sanctioned presidential election.
