By Everson Luhanga
- Supporters flooded the streets of Lilongwe after Peter Mutharika’s win, tearing down Chakwera’s posters and celebrating with horns and songs.
- Malawi faces 30% inflation, high food prices and fuel shortages as Mutharika returns to power promising “proven leadership.”
Peter Mutharika is back in charge in Malawi at the age of 85.
He won the presidential election with 57% of the vote against Lazarus Chakwera’s 33%. It was their fourth battle for the top job.
Chakwera phoned Mutharika to concede even before the final count, though he said there were “irregularities.”
The election body took eight days to release the results, saying it had to deal with complaints and double-check numbers.
Mutharika’s win comes as Malawians face tough times. Inflation is close to 30%, fuel and foreign currency are scarce, and food prices are climbing.
Chakwera’s years in power were marked by corruption scandals, load-shedding and soaring living costs. His government blamed droughts, Covid-19 and global shocks – but many voters were not convinced.
Mutharika campaigned on “a return to proven leadership,” saying he could fix inflation like before. Still, concerns about his age and health remain. He was rarely seen during the campaign.
None of that stopped his supporters. Crowds in Lilongwe celebrated the win, honking cars, singing “adadi” – father – and tearing down Chakwera’s posters.
Mutharika must be sworn in within 30 days.
Pictured above: Peter Mutharika is back as Malawi president.
Image source: Peter Mutharika Facebook
