Overview

• The Malawi Electoral Commission announced Peter Mutharika the winner with roughly 57% of the vote to Lazarus Chakwera’s 33%.
• Chakwera publicly acknowledged defeat on Wednesday, clearing the path for a change in leadership.
• Commission chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja cautioned supporters not to engage in violence or circulate fake tallies.
• The Democratic Progressive Party had suspected manipulation during the wait for final results, though the count was later certified.
• Analysts say Mutharika returns at age 85 to face high youth unemployment, elevated inflation and severe food insecurity.