Peter Mutharika's Surprising Political Resurgence in Malawi

Tue Oct 21 2025 15:23:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After a turbulent political history, former president Peter Mutharika makes a comeback in the recent Malawian elections amid economic challenges and health concerns.

Peter Mutharika, who was ousted from the presidency five years ago, has emerged victorious in Malawi's latest election. Campaigning on the failures of his predecessor, Mutharika's return raises questions about his health and effectiveness in addressing the country's pressing issues.

Just five years after being dramatically unseated by a court ruling, Peter Mutharika is set to return to power as the president of Malawi.

Mutharika, who held the top job from 2014 to 2020, seems to have triumphed in last week's general election, usurping his long-time rival, President Lazarus Chakwera.

Mutharika told voters on the campaign trail that life was simply better under him—Malawi has experienced one of its worst-ever economic downturns since Chakwera took office.

However, the record of 85-year-old Mutharika has its own blemishes, from corruption allegations to the debacle that ended his first presidency.

This is the fourth time he has run for office, but initially, Mutharika did not intend to enter politics. Born in 1940 in Thyolo, he was raised by two teachers and developed a love for education.

He attended Dedza Secondary School, known for nurturing notable politicians, and studied law at Yale University. After becoming a professor, he pivoted to politics in 2004 when his brother Bingu became Malawi's president.

Initially an adviser, he later became an MP for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and served in various ministerial roles. His political career has been tied to controversy, including attempts to install himself in power following his brother's unexpected death in 2012.

Mutharika's last presidency saw significant infrastructure loans yet was marred by allegations of corruption. He lost the presidency in 2019 after a court annulled the elections due to widespread irregularities.

In the recent campaign, Mutharika questioned voters, You miss me right? You have suffered, right? Despite limited public appearances, he won in areas once deemed strongholds of his rival.

As he assumes office again, Mutharika must tackle rising inflation, poverty, and ongoing economic instability. His comeback, while surprising, poses questions about his capability to effectively govern at his age, amid speculation regarding his health.

Ultimately, many Malawians are watching closely, hoping Mutharika can indeed lead them back to better times.