Malawi is waiting for the results of the president in the midst of economic dissatisfaction, a tight race

The vote count was ongoing in Malawi after the tense general election which was held on Tuesday, with an initial indication showing a close contest between the ruling president Lazarus Chakwera and the main challenger, former President Peter Mutharika.

The election is held against a deeper background of economic problems in the country of South Africa, which can affect the chakwera offer for the second term of office. Soaring inflation – which has exceeded 27% in recent months – and lack of foreign currencies has greatly influenced important imports such as fuel, food, and fertilizer. With more than 70% of the population living in poverty, according to the World Bank, frustration with the status quo is getting higher.

Political Analyst George Chaima told AFP that the initial results showed significant support for Mutharika, who served as president from 2014 to 2020. “The initial results showed that people throughout the South African state united behind Mutharika, convincing that Malawi was better during the 2014-2020 period,” Chaima said.

“Despite the shortcomings and shortcomings (during the first term of Mutharika), Malawi people did not experience difficult times like us now, economically,” he added. “If you look at the current status quo, you will find that the elites live a very luxurious lifestyle … They don’t feel the flips felt by people now.”

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Mutharika, 85, a retired professor of law, lost in the 2020 election to Chakwera, 70, in a historical re -impression of the 2019 ballot which was canceled due to election deviations, including the accusation that correction fluid was used to damage the calculation sheet.

Since 2020, the Malawi election system has required candidates to secure more than 50% of the votes to win directly. If no one reaches this threshold, the second round runoff will be held within 60 days.

The Malawi election commission is expected to start releasing temporary results from Thursday, with official results certified due in eight days.

“It seems that there is a tight competition,” said Michael Kaiyatsa, Executive Director of the Human Rights and Rehabilitation Center (CHRR). He acknowledged that the initial surge that supported Mutharika was surprising, given his rejection in the election only five years ago. “People changed and, also, five years in politics are a long time,” he said.

“Many people will be hungry,” Kaiyatsa added. “Many people have been forced into poverty because of a difficult economic situation.”

Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ran on an economic awakening campaign, vowed to end the Malawi foreign exchange crisis in six months, reduce government debt, and restore what they called “proven leadership.”

Climate shocks further worsen the challenges of the country. Malawi experienced severe drought in 2024, following a deadly typhoon that claimed more than 1,000 lives, further disrupted the economy driven by agriculture.

President Chakwera acknowledged difficulties during his last campaign rally last weekend, promising corrective actions. “I have taken your words into my heart. We will improve the situation,” said the leader of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

More than 64% of the 7.2 million voters registered in the country participated in Tuesday’s election, which also included the Parliamentary and Local Council race. When Malawi people are waiting for official results, this nation remains restless – hoping for change, but it is uncertain the road ahead.