Malawi 2025 elections: What is at stake?
As Malawi braces for elections on 16 September 2025, voters will choose leaders amid economic challenges, corruption concerns and a history of contested polls.
Election day in Malawi is set for 16 September 2025 as the country chooses its next president, parliament and local councillors amid economic challenges and recent electoral controversies.
Key Dates
Voting takes place on Tuesday 16 September 2025.
Positions on the Ballot
- Presidential: 17 candidates
- Parliamentary: 229 seats
- Local: 509 council positions
Main Contenders
Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi Congress Party) seeks a second term after winning a court-ordered re-run in 2020. His tenure saw reintroduced rail services and road improvements but has been clouded by inflation and corruption allegations.
Peter Mutharika (Democratic Progressive Party), president from 2014 to 2020, returns at 85. He defends his record on economic management despite his administration's own graft scandals. Supporters cite lower inflation under his watch.
Other notable candidates include former president Joyce Banda, Vice-President Michael Usi, and ex-central bank governor Dalitso Kabambe.
Top Voter Concerns
Economy: Cyclone Freddy and drought drove food prices up. Inflation hovers around 27%, fuel and power shortages persist.
Corruption: Both leading parties face graft allegations. The Anti-Corruption Bureau remains without a director, raising doubts about accountability.
Vice-President's Death: The 2024 plane crash that killed Saulos Chilima fuels public suspicion despite official probes finding no foul play.
Electoral Process
To win in the first round, a presidential candidate must secure over 50% of votes. If not, a run-off will follow, with major parties seeking alliances to reach a majority.
Fairness and Security
Reforms after the annulled 2019 election boosted confidence, but opposition groups allege bias by the electoral commission. Reports of politically motivated violence raise concerns over freedom of expression.
Announcement of Results
Presidential results are due by 24 September; parliamentary outcomes by 30 September.
Malawi's upcoming election will test its institutions as voters choose amidst economic hardship, corruption concerns and a history of contested results.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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