Malawi’s former President, Peter Mutharika, has taken an early lead in the country’s presidential election, according to provisional results.
Figures released from nine of Malawi’s 36 councils indicate that Mutharika has secured around 51% of valid votes, while incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera trails with nearly 39%, according to Reuters calculations.
A candidate must win more than 50% of valid votes to avoid a runoff. The election commission is expected to release full provisional results by September 24, stressing that all tally sheets are being thoroughly verified to ensure accuracy.
The September 16 vote was widely predicted to be a two-horse race between the two longtime rivals. Mutharika, 85, who led Malawi from 2014 to 2020, was credited with improving infrastructure and reducing inflation during his tenure, though he faced criticism over allegations of cronyism, which he denied.
Chakwera, 70, a former pastor elected in 2020 after Mutharika’s annulled 2019 victory, came into office promising to tackle corruption. However, his handling of graft cases has drawn criticism for being slow and selective.
Malawi’s economy has struggled in recent years under the combined strain of climate-linked disasters — including a devastating cyclone and regional drought that wiped out crops — and persistent inflation that has remained above 20% for over three years.
The Election Commission has cautioned candidates against declaring victory prematurely as it continues cross-checking results.
