By Linda Kwanjana

A new survey released by Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) shows that President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party is gaining ground since the opening of the official campaign two months ago.

The survey, whose results were released today in Blantyre, shows that comparatively with previous polls by the same pollster, Chakwera has gained five percentage points from 27 percent to above 31 percent.

Political experts say this trajectory indicates that President Chakwera is gaining ground due to his choice of running mate, vigorous campaigning and the way he packages his messages during interaction with communities.

“So far, he is the only candidate who has hit the ground running in a proper campaign mode. The rest are not doing enough to convince Malawians

The country’s most respected influencer, Stanley Onjezani Kenani, sees the upward inching of favourability of Chakwera as a key factor in determining the outcome of the election on September 16.

The survey has also revealed that President Chakwera is the most recognized presidential candidate in Malawi, with an awareness rate of 85 percent ahead of Peter Mutharika, who has a recognition rate of 79 percent.

Though Chakwera’s running mate, Vitumbiko Mumba is the second most recognized running mate behind the former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson, Jane Ansah, he comes out as the most favorable among voters.

“These factors from the survey show you that the Chakwera,Mumba ticket has the right momentum going into the final lap before elections,” says Blantyre-based political commentator Suzgo Malani.

The survey was conducted in the second week of August meaning people’s perceptions around candidates will have shifted even more by the time Malawi goes to the polls in two weeks time.