Overview

• The Malawi Electoral Commission announced Peter Mutharika’s victory with nearly 57% of the vote, with President Lazarus Chakwera at about 33%, clearing the 50%+1 threshold and avoiding a runoff.
• Chakwera conceded ahead of the official declaration, phoned Mutharika to congratulate him, and committed to a peaceful handover while urging transparent accounting for reported anomalies.
• A High Court bid by Chakwera to delay the release of results was rejected, and he later acknowledged the court’s decision and said the anomalies did not undermine the credibility of the outcome.
• Earlier tallies from 24 of 36 councils showed Mutharika holding roughly two-thirds of valid votes; the electoral commission reported turnout of 4,689,172 voters, or 65.1%.
• Analysts say surging inflation, fuel and fertilizer shortages, and broader economic strain drove the outcome, and Mutharika is expected to be sworn in within 7 to 30 days.