By Wadza Botomani
Unofficial results from Malawi’s presidential election indicate a strong showing by former President Peter Mutharika, though incumbent Lazarus Chakwera is still tipped to potentially emerge victorious. However, neither candidate is expected to secure the required 50+1 percent majority, making a runoff election highly likely .
Early counts suggest Mutharika, leading the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has performed robustly in key constituencies, capitalizing on widespread voter discontent over soaring inflation, chronic fuel shortages, and economic stagnation that have defined Chakwera’s tenure . Despite this, Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP) retains significant support, particularly in central regions, setting the stage for a tight race .
Analysts had long predicted that the election would fail to produce an outright winner, given the fractured electorate and the presence of 15 other candidates, including former President Joyce Banda, who may have drawn votes from both frontrunners . The electoral law, revised after the contentious 2019 election, mandates a runoff within 30 days if no candidate surpasses the 50 percent threshold .
This sets the stage for a protracted political contest, prolonging uncertainty in a nation grappling with severe economic crises and mounting public impatience for solutions . The final outcome now hinges on coalition-building and the alignment of smaller parties and their supporters ahead of the second round .
