Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat on Wednesday in last week’s presidential election, acknowledging that his rival, Peter Mutharika, held an “insurmountable lead.”
In an address to the nation, Chakwera, a former pastor who came to power in 2020 after defeating Mutharika, said he had personally called his opponent to wish him well ahead of the official announcement of the results from the September 16 election.
“A few minutes ago, I called Professor Mutharika to wish him well,” Chakwera said. “It was clear that my rival Peter Mutharika has an insurmountable lead over me.”
The election was heavily influenced by Malawi’s economic challenges. Critics accused Chakwera of mismanagement, indecisiveness, failing to curb corruption, and not delivering on promises to create jobs. During his term, inflation soared to 33 percent, and the cost of staple foods like maize and essential farming inputs such as fertilizer rose sharply, becoming central issues in the campaign.
Chakwera, 70, of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), emphasized his commitment to a peaceful transition of power:
“In the days that remain, I want you to know that I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power. I know that many of you who supported my campaign for reelection will be disappointed.”
