Monday 22nd September 2025
By inAfrika Reporter
Malawi election results from nine of 36 councils show ex-president Peter Mutharika leading with about 51% of valid votes. Incumbent Lazarus Chakwera stands near 39%, according to provisional data released by the election commission. Officials cautioned parties against declaring victory early.
The figures cover one quarter of councils. The commission is cross-checking tally sheets before releasing more totals. A candidate needs over 50% to win outright. Otherwise, the race goes to a runoff. The commission has until Sept 24 to publish full provisional results.
Analysts expected a close, two-horse contest between Mutharika and Chakwera. The count will test party machines in urban strongholds and rural bases. Officials said they will certify constituency results once physical returns match electronic logs.
Malawi has struggled with high inflation for more than three years. A cyclone and a regional drought destroyed crops and strained households. Voters weighed those shocks against each candidate’s record. Mutharika’s camp highlights past inflation gains. Chakwera’s team points to anti-corruption efforts. Turnout patterns remain uneven across districts. Transport delays and weather affected some rural sites. Parties deployed agents to monitor counts at station level. The commission said it would address any formal complaints under election law.
Courts play a larger role after the 2019 annulment of Mutharika’s win and the 2020 re-run that brought Chakwera to office. Observers expect a tight timeline for petitions. Authorities aim to post district totals first, then a national summary. Both campaigns urged supporters to remain calm while counting continues. The commission warned it will sanction premature claims. It pledged to release updates as verifications finish. Final certification will follow the statutory sequence once all councils report.
Swahili 
English 
French 
Portuguese 
Chinese