Malawi Plans September 16 Elections Amid Economic Crisis

Malawi is set to hold presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections on September 16, 2025, in a highly contested race primarily between incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera and his predecessor Peter Mutharika. The country faces significant economic challenges, including over three years of double-digit inflation, economic stagnation with growth below population expansion, fuel and medicine shortages, and persistent poverty affecting more than 70% of the population. Chakwera, who came to power after a judiciary-ordered re-run of the 2019 election, admits the economy is struggling but attributes much of the hardship to natural disasters like cyclones and droughts. Mutharika is campaigning on his record of past economic improvements and infrastructure development but faces criticism over alleged corruption during his tenure. Voters are grappling with the impact of corruption scandals, inflation, and natural disasters, making economic recovery and governance key issues in this election. Other candidates, including former president Joyce Banda and Vice President Saulos Chilima, also add complexity to the race, but the main focus remains on the contest between Chakwera and Mutharika.