Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters erupted into celebration at the National Tally Centre in Lilongwe after Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was declared the winner of the September 16 Presidential Election.
The announcement by the Malawi Electoral Commission was met with jubilation, with chants, songs, and dances filling the air as blue flags waved high inside and outside the venue.
For many loyalists, the moment symbolized not just the triumph of their party, but also the return of a familiar leader they believe can restore stability and direction to the country.
Supporters embraced one another, chanting Mutharika’s name, while others described the victory as a reward for resilience and perseverance after years in opposition.
The atmosphere at the tally centre was charged with emotion, with party officials joining the crowds in celebrating what they termed a “historic comeback” for both Mutharika and the DPP.
Across the capital city, spontaneous celebrations spread to major townships, where car horns, whistles, and ululations echoed late into the night.
Many supporters carried placards praising Mutharika as a steady hand who had once led the nation and now returned to reclaim leadership at a time of crisis.
Party loyalists expressed renewed hope that his administration would prioritize economic revival, job creation, and stronger governance in response to the challenges facing Malawians.
The victory has been hailed within the party as a vindication of their belief in Mutharika’s leadership, and as a sign that the electorate remains confident in the DPP’s vision.
For the supporters who filled the tally centre, the celebrations were more than just political—they were personal, emotional, and deeply symbolic of a long-awaited return to power.
Celebration erupted at the Catholic University campus in Nguludi, Chiradzulu, as students danced and sang victory songs following the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declaration of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as the new President of the Republic of Malawi.
The announcement of Mutharika’s victory sent waves of excitement across the campus, compelling both students and community members to flock to the streets in celebration of Malawi’s new leader.
Fireworks lit up the night sky, creating a vivid picture of jubilation and marking the historic moment with color and spectacle.
Students expressed joy and optimism, with many describing the victory as a turning point for the country’s future.
Community members joined in the festivities, reflecting the strong connection between the youth and the broader civic engagement inspired by the election results.
Observers noted that the lively celebrations highlighted both the enthusiasm of the younger generation and the sense of hope that accompanies the transition of leadership.
The event at Catholic University mirrors similar celebrations across Malawi, demonstrating nationwide support for the newly elected President and Vice President.
Residents and students emphasized the importance of unity and participation in the democratic process, expressing hope that the new administration would address pressing issues such as education, youth employment, and local development.
Analysts suggest that the active engagement of students in public celebrations signals a growing role for youth in shaping Malawi’s civic and political future.
The jubilant atmosphere also reflects broader expectations that the Mutharika administration will deliver on promises of economic growth, improved education systems, and inclusive governance.
In conclusion, the celebrations at Catholic University not only commemorate a political victory but also symbolize hope, renewed civic energy, and the aspirations of Malawi’s youth for accountable, effective leadership.
Blantyre, September 24, 247 Malawi: Large crowds gathered at the heart of Blantyre City on Tuesday night to celebrate the victory of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
The celebrations followed the official announcement of the presidential election results by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
MEC Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, officially declared Professor Mutharika the winner of the 2025 Presidential Election.
Mutharika triumphed over 16 other contestants in the race for the highest office in the country.
Supporters filled the streets, waving Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) flags, singing, and chanting slogans to mark the historic moment.
Some people were heard shouting “wadya mtoliro” as they joined the processions.
A lady in Chilinde remarked, “This has never happened before,” reflecting the scale and energy of the night-long celebrations.
Another woman described Mutharika as “a blessed man,” insisting that God had allowed his return to victory.
The atmosphere was electric, with car horns blaring, fireworks lighting up the sky, and music filling the neighborhoods.
Residents described the celebrations as a reflection of relief, joy, and renewed hope in the leadership of Professor Mutharika.
Dr. Jane Ansah, who was also declared Vice President, was widely praised by supporters, with many women expressing pride in her elevation to the second-highest office in the land.
The Democratic Progressive Party faithful said the results showed the trust Malawians have placed in their leaders to steer the country forward.
In Biwi Township, crowds gathered late into the night, singing and dancing in unison to traditional rhythms.
At Mchesi, young people organized spontaneous parades, while in Falls Estate, residents celebrated from their balconies and rooftops.
The celebrations in Nathenje carried on until dawn, with community members describing the victory as “a turning point” for the nation.
Across the capital, the spirit of unity and triumph was evident as both the old and young joined hands in celebration.
Observers noted that the night-long festivities highlighted the emotional weight of the election outcome and the deep connection between the DPP leadership and its grassroots supporters.
Security agencies were present to ensure the festivities remained peaceful and orderly throughout the night.
Community members expressed optimism that the victory would usher in a new era of governance, stability, and national development.
*Looking Ahead: Implications of Mutharika’s Victory for Malawi*
The jubilant celebrations in Blantyre and across the country reflect high public expectations for tangible change and responsive leadership.
Professor Mutharika now faces the challenge of translating popular support into effective governance, focusing on economic recovery, job creation, and investment in critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
In agriculture, his administration is expected to roll out irrigation programs, expand access to affordable farm inputs, and strengthen market linkages to improve food security and boost rural livelihoods.
Education will be a key priority, with initiatives such as sustaining free secondary education, improving school infrastructure, recruiting and training more teachers, and ensuring access to quality education for all children.
Youth employment schemes are anticipated, including support for small businesses, entrepreneurship programs, and skills development initiatives to reduce unemployment and harness the demographic dividend.
On the economic front, Mutharika’s government is expected to implement policies that attract foreign investment, stabilize the local currency, and strengthen public financial management. Combating corruption and promoting transparency will be central to these efforts.
Foreign relations and regional diplomacy are also likely to be emphasized, with Malawi seeking to strengthen partnerships, attract development aid, and enhance trade with neighboring countries and international stakeholders.
The celebrations signal an opportunity for national unity, but political analysts note that sustained peace and stability will depend on how inclusively the new government manages dissenting voices and incorporates opposition perspectives in policymaking.
For Malawians, these festivities are more than party politics—they symbolize hope for effective leadership, social progress, and a vibrant, accountable democracy.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has declared Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) the winner of the 2025 presidential election with 3,352,439 votes, representing 56.8 percent.
Announcing the results at the National Tally Centre in Lilongwe on Wednesday evening, Justice Mtalimanja said the Commission had resolved all queries from political parties before the final declaration, stressing that credibility and transparency guided every stage of the electoral process.
Mutharika – President Elect
“I, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, with the powers vested in me, now pronounce Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and Jane Ansah as the duly elected President and Vice President of the Republic of Malawi with 3,352,439 votes, representing 56.8 percent,” she declared.
Justice Mtalimanja congratulated Mutharika on his victory and commended Malawians for turning out in large numbers to vote on September 16, saying their participation demonstrated the nation’s commitment to strengthening democracy and exercising constitutional rights.
Before declaring the presidential winner, MEC released results from the remaining 12 councils, including Kasungu, Mchinji, and Machinga districts, which completed the official tally and cleared the way for the final announcement.
The final results placed Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) second with 1,765,170 votes.
Dalitso Kabambe of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) came third with 211,430 votes, while Atupele Muluzi of the United Democratic Front (UDF) followed with 102,744 votes.
Other contestants included Joyce Banda of the People’s Party with 86,106 votes, Akwame Bandawe of the AAA with 40,052 votes, Kamuzu Chibambo of PETRA with 17,274 votes, and Michael Usi of Odya Zake with 16,922 votes.
Independent candidates also participated in the race, including Adil Chilungo with 8,462 votes, Felix Chipojola with 8,638 votes, Phunziro Mvula with 9,378 votes, Milward Tobias with 2,086 votes, Smart Swira with 1,848 votes, and Jordan Sauti of the Patriotic Citizens Party with 2,196 votes.
Additional results showed Frank Mwenefumbo of the National Democratic Party with 5,354 votes and Kondwani Nankhumwa of the People’s Democratic Party with 12,251 votes.
This brought the total number of presidential contenders in the 2025 election to 17, making it one of the most competitive races in Malawi’s democratic history.
The declaration ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Malawi Defence Force, the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Prison Service, and the Immigration Department, alongside political party representatives, civil society leaders, and members of the diplomatic community.
The announcement marked the end of weeks of anticipation and speculation, officially ushering Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and Dr. Jane Ansah into the highest offices in the land.
As Malawi anxiously awaits the official announcement of the national election results, the Road Safety Alert Foundation (ROSAF) has urged citizens to celebrate responsibly and avoid reckless behavior on the roads.
ROSAF Executive Director, Joel Jere, warned that excitement following the declaration of results often leads to a surge in road accidents, as people rush into the streets to celebrate victories or express disappointment over losses.
Joel Jere
He stressed that regardless of whether one’s preferred candidate wins or loses, safety must remain a top priority.
“In past elections, we’ve seen many people flood the streets with motorcycles, vehicles, and even on foot, celebrating their candidate’s victory. This often results in dangerous situations that have led to serious injuries and loss of lives,” Jere said.
He appealed to Malawians to remember that while elections come and go, life is irreplaceable. Jere also issued a strong warning to motorists against drinking and driving, a habit that has been a major cause of fatal accidents during major national events.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol puts not only the driver at risk but also passengers and other road users. We urge all motorists to exercise discipline, obey traffic laws and prioritize safety,” he added.
ROSAF has called for increased collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local councils and community leaders to help control crowds and ensure safe celebrations once the results are announced.
The reminder comes at a critical time, as heightened political tensions and mass gatherings are expected across the country when the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declares the official outcome of the 2025 general elections later today.
