The people of Malawi are set to vote for their next leader, following a turbulent five years involving economic turmoil, natural disasters and the shock death of the nation’s vice-president.
Current President Lazarus Chakwera is vying for a second term, his main rival being Peter Mutharika, an octogenarian who has also held office in the southern African nation once before.
Transparency and fairness are key talking points ahead of the vote, given that the result of Malawi’s 2019 presidential election was overturned in the courts due to widespread irregularities.
When are Malawi’s elections?
Polling day is Tuesday 16 September 2025.
What are Malawians voting for?
The 7.2 million registered voters will be taking part in three elections:
- Presidential – there are 17 candidates to choose from
- Parliamentary – 229 constituency MPs will be elected
- Local – 509 councillor positions are up for grabs.
Who could be the next president?
Among the 17 hopefuls there are two clear front-runners.
Chakwera and Mutharika will square off against each other at the polls for the fourth time – though the third time ended up not counting.
Mutharika first defeated Chakwera in 2014, but when he was declared winner over Chakwera in the next election in 2019 the result was annulled. Chakwera won the re-run the following year.
Lazarus Chakwera – Malawi Congress Party (MCP)
Chakwera, a former theology lecturer and preacher, had no political experience when he emerged as leader of the MCP in 2013.
When he ran for president in 2014 he was unsuccessful, but in 2020 he triumphed, beating the incumbent, Mutharika, in that unprecedented re-run.
Chakwera’s time in office has been marred by economic turmoil and allegations of corruption. The 70-year-old did, however, reintroduce train services in Malawi for the first time in over three decades. He has also overseen major road construction across the country.
Peter Mutharika – Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
Mutharika, an 85-year-old former lawyer and law lecturer, led Malawi from 2014 to 2020.
He is the brother of the late President Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in office in 2012.
Like Chakwera, Mutharika is also burdened by corruption allegations and links to economic crises. However, his supporters would argue that the current high inflation rate (around 27%) is proof that Mutharika managed the economy better than his successor.
Mutharika’s age may count against him this election – speculation about his health is rife, especially as he has rarely been seen out in public during the campaign period.
Other contenders garnering attention are former president Joyce Banda (People’s Party), current Vice-President Michael Usi (Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu)and former reserve bank governor Dalitso Kabambe (UTM)
