Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday conceded defeat in the country’s presidential election, calling opposition candidate Peter Mutharika the “presumptive winner” and offering his congratulations.
In a televised address, Chakwera said he had spoken directly with the former leader following the vote.
“This outcome is a reflection of your collective will to have a change of government, and so it is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution,” Chakwera told Malawians.
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Mutharika, 85, reportedly secured more than 60% of ballots cast in last week’s contest, according to partial results released late Monday. The final results were due Wednesday, just hours after Chakwera conceded.
The vote marked the latest chapter in a turbulent electoral history between the two rivals. In 2019, Mutharika was initially declared the winner, but a court later overturned the result, citing evidence of tampered tally sheets. A fresh election held in 2020 delivered victory to Chakwera, who was then hailed by supporters celebrating in the streets.
Five years later, however, the 70-year-old former evangelical preacher has seen his popularity diminish amid steep inflation, fuel shortages, and food insecurity in Malawi, a nation of 21 million facing deep economic challenges.
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Mutharika, who previously governed from 2014 to 2020, campaigned on restoring economic stability and returning experienced leadership. His family legacy is also deeply rooted in Malawi’s politics; his late brother, Bingu wa Mutharika, led the country from 2004 until his death in 2012.
