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Malawians headed to the polls on Tuesday in an election that pits the sitting president against his predecessor, both seeking another shot at leading the impoverished southern African nation grappling with inflation, fuel shortages, and mounting hardship.
Seventeen candidates are officially on the ballot, yet analysts agree the real contest is between incumbent Lazarus Chakwera and former leader Peter Mutharika. The two previously faced off in the controversial 2019 election, which was later annulled over evidence of rigging, forcing a rerun.
Chakwera, a 70-year-old pastor, and Mutharika, an 85-year-old legal scholar, have both promised to revitalise Malawi’s agriculture-driven economy, though it continues to reel from climate disasters and inflation that has surged above 27 percent.
Even before polling stations opened at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT), long queues ran through rural districts, though reports of delays filtered in. Among the first in line in Lilongwe was 47-year-old manager Lindani Kitchini, who expressed support for Chakwera:
“We are saying give him another chance and we’ll take the country to another level. Problems are always there in countries. We’ve seen notable developments,” he told AFP.
Despite campaign pledges, both front-runners face deep criticism. Observers accuse them of cronyism, corruption, and mismanagement, leaving many voters disillusioned. Political analyst Chris Nhlane offered a blunt assessment:
“Both men embody unfulfilled potential and dashed hopes, yet Malawians must still choose a lesser liability between them,” he told AFP.
To claim outright victory, a candidate must secure more than half the vote; otherwise, a run-off will follow within 60 days.
Over the weekend, Chakwera and Mutharika drew massive crowds to their final rallies, though enthusiasm was not universal. Many young Malawians said they were unmoved.
“I would rather go to work than go to vote,” said Joseph, a 30-year-old entrepreneur. “Nothing changes,” he added.
With nearly 60 percent of the 7.2 million registered voters under the age of 35, civic groups have been working to counter apathy. Youth activist Charles Chisambo, 34, reflected the mood of frustration:
“We are frustrated. If people vote for Mutharika, it is just to have a change,” he said.
Economic pressures weigh heavily on the electorate. A report from the Centre for Social Concern, a non-governmental organisation, notes that the cost of living has soared by 75 percent in the past year. Climate shocks have made matters worse: two failed rainy seasons and the devastation of Cyclone Freddy in 2023 have deepened poverty in a nation where the World Bank estimates around 70 percent of citizens live below the poverty line.
