Malawi’s presidential election is shaping up to be a tight contest as early results show former president Peter Mutharika, 85, taking a slight lead over incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera.
According to reports from the BBC and Deutsche Welle, Mutharika has secured about 30% of the votes counted so far, putting him ahead of President Chakwera and other contenders.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) confirmed that counting began immediately after polls closed on September 16, and results are being physically and electronically transmitted to tally centers across the country.
Election authorities have warned that if no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, the country will head for a runoff election between the top two candidates.
This election is seen as crucial for Malawi, a country facing rising inflation, fuel shortages, and widespread power outages. Many voters queued for hours at more than 15,000 polling stations, hoping for a leader who can solve the economic crisis.
President Chakwera, who is seeking a second term, cast his vote in his home village of Malembo under heavy security. Voter turnout has been encouraging, with the MEC reporting that over 3.7 million people—around half of registered voters—participated in the election.
Apart from Mutharika and Chakwera, the race also includes former president Joyce Banda, former first son Atupele Muluzi, and vice president Michael Usi, but analysts describe the contest as largely a two-man race.
The MEC has until September 24 to announce the official presidential results. Parliamentary and local government results will follow later this month.
Despite minor delays caused by biometric fingerprint reader issues, observers reported that voting was largely peaceful. Security forces remain on high alert to ensure tallying centers are safe and results are not disrupted.
For many Malawians, this election is not just about choosing a president but about finding a solution to the country’s deep economic problems and restoring hope for the future.
