Malawi votes for next president as cost-of-living bites
Malawians are voting in presidential and parliamentary elections, following a turbulent five years that has seen the economic crisis worsening in the southern African nation. President Lazarus Chakwera is vying for a second term, his main rival being Peter Mutharika, an octogenarian who has previously been in office.
In the cities, campaigning has been overshadowed by fuel shortages, which have led to long, frustrating queues at petrol stations. The rising cost of living has also been a major concern of voters.
A presidential run-off will be held if no candidate gets more than 50% of the votes cast in Tuesday's election.
What are Malawians voting for?
The 7.2 million registered voters will participate in three elections once polling stations open at 04:00 GMT:
- 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 face off for the fourth time, following previous encounters that have been historic and contentious. Mutharika first defeated Chakwera in 2014, amidst widespread allegations of tampering in the subsequent election, leading to Chakwera's victory in a re-run in 2020.
Lazarus Chakwera - Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is a former theology lecturer with no prior political experience before leading the MCP in 2013. His tenure has been marked by economic challenges, though he has reintroduced train services and oversaw significant infrastructure improvements.
Peter Mutharika - Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who previously governed from 2014 to 2020, is burdened by corruption allegations and economic criticisms similar to his rival. However, he contends that high inflation is evidence of Chakwera's mismanagement.
Other notable candidates include former president Joyce Banda, current Vice-President Michael Usi, and former reserve bank governor Dalitso Kabambe.
Key Issues for Voters
The economic state of Malawi has been dire, worsened by the devastation from Cyclone Freddy in 2023 and subsequent droughts, which have triggered soaring food prices and increased poverty. Economists attribute some inflation issues to currency shortages, forcing Malawi to devalue its currency.
Corruption allegations also plague the election, with both major parties facing scrutiny. Chakwera's government, pledging to combat corruption, has drawn skepticism following dropped charges against key figures and leadership failures within the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
The death of former Vice-President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash last year has left a significant gap in the political landscape, potentially altering voter dynamics.
Conclusion
The administration's credibility and the electoral commission's impartiality are under examination as voters head to the polls. Concerns over potential violence and freedom of expression could also impact the electoral environment. Immediate results are expected within the week, dramatically reshaping Malawi's political future.
