By Emmanuel Kwada
In a dramatic twist, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, the former pastor who rose to power in the 2020 elections by defeating Peter Mutharika, conceded defeat on Wednesday in last week’s hotly contested poll. Addressing the nation with a heavy heart, the 70-year-old Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader acknowledged that his rival, constitutional law expert and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Mutharika, holds an “insurmountable lead” as final results loom.
“A few minutes ago, I called Professor Mutharika to wish him well,” Chakwera announced, just hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission was set to confirm the outcome of the September 16 vote. With economic woes dominating the campaign, Chakwera, who ousted Mutharika five years ago, faced fierce criticism for alleged mismanagement, indecision, and failure to curb corruption or fulfill job creation pledges.
It was clear that my rival Peter Mutharika has an insurmountable lead over me
The small, agriculture-dependent nation grappled with soaring costs during Chakwera’s tenure, with inflation hitting a staggering 33 percent. The price hikes of staple maize and fertilizer—critical for rural livelihoods—became rallying cries for voters, tipping the scales against the incumbent. “It was clear that my rival Peter Mutharika has an insurmountable lead over me,” Chakwera admitted, signaling the end of his leadership.
In a gesture of unity, Chakwera vowed a peaceful power transition. “In the days that remain, I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power,” he said, acknowledging the disappointment of his supporters. “I know that many of you who backed my reelection will be disheartened.”
As Mutharika, 82, prepares for a potential return, the nation watches closely. Chakwera’s concession marks a pivotal moment, reflecting voter frustration with economic hardship and setting the stage for a new chapter in Malawi’s political saga.
