Intelligence Brief: Former President Mutharika Defeats Incumbent Chakwera in Malawi’s Historic Election
Ujasusi Blog’s Southern Africa Monitoring Team | 24 September 2025 | 2020 BST
Executive Summary ✍🏾
Malawi has witnessed a historic democratic transition as 85‑year‑old Peter Mutharika reclaimed the presidency following Lazarus Chakwera’s graceful concession. Despite facing treason charges in the past, Mutharika’s political comeback underscores voter frustration with economic collapse, corruption, and shortages under Chakwera’s rule. The election not only reflects Malawians’ yearning for economic relief and political stability but also cements Malawi’s reputation as a rare African democracy where peaceful handovers of power have become the norm. Yet optimism is tempered by serious challenges: spiralling inflation, an energy crisis, institutional fragility, and the looming question of succession due to Mutharika’s advanced age. These dynamics make the current transition both promising and perilous.
🔎 Key Developments
Chakwera Concedes Defeat: President Lazarus Chakwera accepted defeat in a live national address, describing Mutharika’s win as “historic” and committing to a peaceful transition. He acknowledged irregularities in vote counting but said they were insufficient to change the outcome. His swift concession was praised internationally as a model for African leadership.
Mutharika’s Political Resurrection: Once charged with treason for allegedly plotting to block Joyce Banda from taking office in 2012, Mutharika returned to power despite his age, health questions, and limited campaigning. His comeback demonstrates the cyclical nature of Malawian politics, where former leaders remain viable alternatives when incumbents stumble.
Economic Backdrop: Voters rejected Chakwera after inflation soared beyond 30%, compounded by fuel shortages, power cuts, dwindling foreign reserves, and the devastation of Cyclone Freddy. Rising food costs, long queues for petrol, and crumbling infrastructure became daily reminders of economic hardship, shaping the electorate’s mood.
Running Mate Controversy: Mutharika selected Jane Ansah, a former electoral commission chair linked to the annulled 2019 election, as his running mate. Her appointment has sparked fierce debate, with opponents accusing her of lacking legitimacy while supporters hail her as a trailblazer with judicial and political experience.
Regional Reactions: Zimbabwe’s Nick Mangwana praised Chakwera’s concession, while opposition leader Nelson Chamisa highlighted Malawi’s democratic maturity — pointedly contrasting it with Zimbabwe’s own disputed elections. Other African leaders cautiously welcomed the result, aware of its implications for their domestic audiences.
Symbol of Democracy: Malawi now joins Zambia, Ghana, Mauritius, and Botswana as examples of nations where peaceful leadership transitions have become routine. This bolsters Malawi’s image abroad, especially among international donors and democratic advocacy groups.
Public Celebrations: Lilongwe, Blantyre, and other urban centres witnessed jubilant celebrations. Crowds paraded with party flags, motorists honked horns, and opposition posters were torn down. Remarkably, no widespread violence erupted, underscoring Malawi’s maturing political culture.