Malawi's former President Peter Mutharika has been declared the winner of last week's elections, in a huge comeback for the 85-year-old.
Official results show that he won 57% of the vote, compared to the 33% of President Lazarus Chakwera, 70.
Chakwera, a pastor before entering politics, conceded defeat ahead of the final result being declared, phoning Mutharika to congratulate him on his historic win.
Mutharika, a former professor of law, served as president from 2014 to 2020, when he lost to Chakwera by a wide margin.
He inherits an economy that is in deep crisis, with a severe shortage of fuel and foreign currency in the poor southern African state.
The official inflation rate is close to 30%, with a frozen chicken in a supermarket in the capital, Lilongwe, costing about $20 (£15), in a nation where most people live on $2 a day or less.
The election commission announced the results after soliciting complaints and ensuring a thorough verification process.
Chakwera, having faced growing issues during his presidency such as corruption and economic distress, acknowledged irregularities but accepted the election outcome, leading to jubilant celebrations among Mutharika's supporters.
Mutharika's startling return can be interpreted as more a rejection of Chakwera than a definitive endorsement of Mutharika himself. Facing significant obstacles, he now must address inflation as he did effectively in his prior term.
Concerns about Mutharika's health have persisted throughout the campaign, raising questions about his capability to lead effectively at his advanced age.
The swearing-in ceremony must be organized between seven and 30 days after the announcement of the results.
