Malawians went to the polls on Tuesday to elect a president, members of parliament, and local government officials in a pivotal vote shaped by economic hardship and political discontent. Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, is seeking a second term but faces strong competition from 16 challengers, including 85-year-old former president Peter Mutharika widely seen as his toughest rival. Voters say they are desperate for solutions to soaring inflation, fuel shortages, and a worsening cost-of-living crisis. Inflation has jumped from around 8% in 2020 to nearly 27% in 2024, while shortages of fuel, sugar, and staple foods have fueled frustration. Long queues at gas stations have become routine, and the price of maize, Malawi’s staple crop, has pushed many families to the brink.
“The cost of living is high, and with that many problems have increased,” said Patrick Holeya, a father of six from Thyolo, who cast his ballot for Mutharika. “I hope my vote will lead to caring leadership. For too long politicians have snubbed us, but today we are the kingmakers.” First-time voter Gift Chafumuka expressed similar hopes: “I want this vote to change things, especially development for this nation.”
The election comes just five years after Malawi made global headlines for annulling its disputed 2019 presidential vote due to widespread irregularities. Chakwera went on to win the 2020 re-run, becoming only the second African leader to claim victory in a redo election and the first to unseat an incumbent through such a process. While his victory then was celebrated as a triumph for democracy, Chakwera’s popularity has faded after five difficult years. Once hailed as a reformer, critics now accuse his government of failing to deliver on promises to stabilize the economy and improve livelihoods.
Roughly 7.2 million Malawians have registered to vote just 65% of those eligible, a drop from 80% in 2019, reflecting growing voter apathy. The results of the one-day election are expected to determine whether Malawians extend Chakwera’s mandate or turn back to Mutharika in hopes of better economic management.
