Malawi holds its 2025 triple elections, as citizens vote for president, parliament, and local councils amid economic hardship and rising political tensions.
Polling stations opened at 06:00 AM local time across Malawi on 16 September 2025. Voters are choosing a president, 229 parliamentarians, and 509 councillors.
Seventeen presidential candidates are competing, including President Lazarus Chakwera and Peter Mutharika. If no candidate wins 50%, a runoff will follow within 30 days.
ECONOMIC CRISIS DRIVES ELECTION MOOD
Inflation has been above 20% since 2022 in Malawi, driven by a series of shocks, including Cyclone Freddy and an El Niño-induced drought that destroyed harvests, worsening fuel and food shortages.
As of 2023, over 70% of Malawians live below the international poverty line of $2.15 (approximately R37.26) per day.
This high poverty rate contributes to widespread discontent and dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic challenges.
Many voters cite rising food costs as their greatest concern currently.
CANDIDATES AND POLITICAL STAKES
Chakwera seeks re-election, while Mutharika campaigns at age 85. Former president Joyce Banda is also contesting the presidency.
Parties will compete for 229 parliamentary seats to form coalitions. Analysts expect close results, reflecting widespread voter frustration with leadership.
OBSERVERS AND ELECTORAL INTEGRITY
The Malawi Electoral Commission registered 7.2 million voters this year. Reports confirm that women make up 57% of the registered electorate.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) have deployed observer missions to monitor the 2025 general elections in Malawi.
Their presence is a standard practice to ensure the elections are free, fair, and transparent.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has stated that results are typically expected within a week after polling, though they must legally announce the final results within eight days of the election date.
SADC and AU have also announced they will release their preliminary statements within days of the election.
