Peter Mutharika's Political Resurgence: A Landmark Victory at 85

Fri Sep 26 2025 14:26:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a surprising turn of events, Malawi's former president, Peter Mutharika, has reclaimed his position at the age of 85, defeating the incumbent leader Lazarus Chakwera amidst economic turmoil and public discontent.

Peter Mutharika won the recent presidential election in Malawi, securing 57% of the vote against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, who received 33%. Mutharika’s return comes after his loss in 2020 and amidst a struggling economy marred by high inflation and shortages. Chakwera’s concession highlighted irregularities in the election, but public sentiment seems to favor Mutharika's past leadership during challenging times. As he prepares to assume office again, questions about his age and the country's economic condition loom large.

Peter Mutharika's Political Resurgence: A Landmark Victory at 85

In a surprising turn of events, Malawi's former president, Peter Mutharika, has made a remarkable comeback by winning the presidential election at the age of 85. Official results confirmed Mutharika received 57% of the vote, while the incumbent president, Lazarus Chakwera, garnered 33%.

This electoral contest saw Chakwera concede defeat prior to the official announcement, acknowledging Mutharika's historic win and expressing respect for the electorate's decision.

Mutharika, a former professor of law, previously ruled Malawi from 2014 until 2020, when he was defeated by Chakwera by a significant margin. His return to office raises questions about the challenges he will face, especially considering the economic troubles Malawi currently endures, characterized by high inflation nearing 30% and severe shortages of essential goods.

Voters' disenchantment with Chakwera's administration, which they felt compounded existing issues like corruption and high living costs, appears to have paved the way for Mutharika's return. The challenges he faces are considerable; a fuel crisis, soaring prices, and the need to stabilize the economy are all on the agenda.

The election commission took a full eight days to announce the results this time, emphasizing the need to carefully verify the outcome amidst complaints and allegations of irregularities, echoing the 2019 election troubles that saw Mutharika's earlier victory annulled.

Chakwera, in his concession speech, admitted concerns regarding electoral anomalies while choosing to respect the collective will of the Malawian populace. Celebrations broke out among Mutharika's supporters immediately after the announcement, signaling a widespread desire for a change.

While the triumph is certainly significant for Mutharika, it also raises doubts about his capacity to govern effectively given his age and health, especially as criticism persists regarding his visibility during the campaign. Nonetheless, Mutharika’s political slogan—a return to proven leadership—resonated with many voters seeking stability after a tumultuous period.

As he prepares for the swearing-in ceremony in the coming weeks, observers will closely monitor how Mutharika navigates the complicated landscape of Malawian politics and addresses the considerable issues awaiting his administration.