President Lazarus Chakwera has conceded defeat in Malawi’s recent presidential election.

He ends his term after only four years in office. The electorate voted to replace him, with former leader Peter Mutharika securing a strong victory.

Chakwera delivered his concession in a televised address on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He spoke from Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe. He congratulated his rival, Peter Mutharika.

The Electoral Picture

Partial results showed Mutharika leading by a wide margin. Mutharika, aged 85, was subsequently named the presumptive winner.

The country’s electoral commission was due to announce the official final results later that Wednesday.

Partial tallies indicated that Mutharika had secured 66.7% of the votes. This came from 24 of 36 councils counted.

Chakwera was trailing with 24%. Mutharika needed just over 50% to avoid a run-off election.

Acknowledging the Public Will

In his address, the outgoing 70-year-old president acknowledged the mandate of the voters. He stated that he had already spoken to Mutharika.

“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 committed himself to ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. He noted that his main rival had secured an insurmountable lead.

Background to the Unexpected Loss

Chakwera, a former evangelical preacher, was elected in 2020. He defeated Mutharika in that previous vote.

The 2020 election was a rerun. It followed a chaotic 2019 vote. The courts nullified the 2019 results due to widespread irregularities.

This included evidence that correction fluid had been used on tally sheets.

Chakwera’s victory in 2020 was initially met with street celebrations. However, he has since lost popularity.

The Economic Struggles

Malawi is known as one of the world’s poorest countries24. Economic issues were the dominant factor in the 2025 election.

The country has faced an ongoing economic crisis. This led to economic stagnation since Chakwera took office.

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There have been severe shortages of fuel and food. The nation has suffered soaring inflation. Inflation reached 33 per cent. Critics accused Chakwera of poor management.

Economic statistics show the struggles facing the 21 million people in Malawi. Nearly three-quarters of Malawians live below the $3 a day poverty line.

Estimates suggest that about half of the country’s population does not receive the minimum required calories for adequate nutrition.

Mutharika, by comparison, campaigned on fixing the economy. He promised to restore experienced leadership.

He had previously been credited with lowering inflation and improving infrastructure during his first term from 2014 to 2020. Mutharika’s brother, Bingu wa Mutharika, also served as president until 2012.