Zim GBC News Network
BLANTYRE, Malawi – Malawi’s former President Peter Mutharika has established an early lead as provisional results from the presidential election trickle in, setting the stage for a potential political comeback against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera.
According to Reuters calculations based on data from the Malawi Electoral Commission, with results from nine of the country’s 36 councils declared, Mutharika has secured approximately 51% of the valid votes. His rival, incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, trails with nearly 39%.
A political analyst in Blantyre, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the ongoing count, told Zim GBC News,
“This early lead is significant, but it’s from a quarter of the councils. The race remains extremely tight and the final result will hinge on the urban and remaining rural votes. No one should celebrate prematurely.”
The September 16 vote was widely predicted to be a two-horse race between the two political heavyweights, who have now faced off for the presidency four times. The election occurs against a backdrop of severe economic challenges.
Since Chakwera’s election five years ago, Malawi has grappled with economic stagnation. A perfect storm of a devastating cyclone and a prolonged regional drought, both exacerbated by climate change, has decimated agriculture and pushed inflation above 20% for over three years.
“Chakwera came in on a wave of hope against corruption, but the economic hardships have been relentless for ordinary Malawians,” the analyst added.
“This has clearly shaped voter sentiment.”
Mutharika, who led the country from 2014 to 2020, is credited by supporters with improving infrastructure and maintaining lower inflation during his tenure, though his administration was also accused of cronyism.
The Electoral Commission has until the end of September 24 to announce the full provisional results. The body has issued a stern warning to all candidates and their supporters.
“In the interest of peace and stability, we urge all stakeholders to refrain from announcing unauthorized results,” a commission official stated.
“Our teams are meticulously cross-checking every tally sheet to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the final count.”
This cautious approach stems from recent history; the 2019 election victory initially awarded to Mutharika was annulled by the constitutional court due to widespread irregularities, including the use of correction fluid on result sheets. Chakwera subsequently won the historic re-run in 2020.
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