- Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera admitted defeat in the election on September 16, acknowledging his rival Peter Mutharika had an “insurmountable” lead.
- Chakwera revealed in his country’s speech that he called Mutharika to congratulate him and guaranteed a peaceful switch.
Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera admitted defeat in the September 16 election, admitting his rival Peter Mutharika has an “insurmountable” lead.
Chuckwera said in a speech nationwide a few hours before the Malawi Election Commission released its official results. “I called Professor Mutharika a few minutes ago to wish him all the best. It’s obvious that my opponent Peter Mutharika has an insurmountable lead over me.”
Chakwera, 70, first came to power in 2020 after defeating Mutharika, pledging to transition: “For the rest of the days, I want you to know that I am committed to a peaceful handover.”
The election was shaped by growing anger at Malawi’s struggling economy. Critics accuse Chakwera of being indecisive, mismanagement and failure to resolve corruption. Inflation reached 33% during term of office, increasing the cost of corn and fertilizer and deteriorating living conditions for rural families.
