Malawi Heads to Polls as Economic Crisis Dominates Presidential Race

Malawians headed to the polls today in a closely watched general election, with President Lazarus Chakwera facing off against his predecessor, Peter Mutharika.

The country’s worsening economic conditions marked by skyrocketing inflation and rising food prices are a central concern for voters.

Although 15 other candidates, including former president Joyce Banda, are also vying for the presidency, political analysts predict the contest will likely come down to Chakwera, 70, and Mutharika, 85. Should no candidate achieve more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be required.

“I voted for the person I believe can end hunger in Malawi. Life is hard, and I can barely provide for my four children,” said Alindiine Bellison Kazembe, a 32-year-old domestic worker from Blantyre, who was among the early voters on Tuesday morning.

Since taking office in 2020, Chakwera has struggled to revive Malawi’s economy. The country has endured a series of setbacks, including a powerful cyclone and a severe drought that destroyed crops, leaving millions food insecure. Inflation has remained above 20% for over three years, driving up the cost of living.

“The constant rise in prices is unbearable. I cast my vote hoping the next president will fix our economy,” said Mazaza Msiska, a 50-year-old resident of Ndirande, who lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been unemployed since.

Voting began at 6 a.m. local time (0400 GMT), though some polling stations reported delays caused by faulty biometric fingerprint scanners.

“We had to temporarily switch to manual verification because some voters’ fingerprints were not being recognised. Things have since stabilised, and voting is running smoothly,” explained Wezi Winnesi, an election monitor for the opposition United Democratic Front.

Aside from choosing a president, Malawi’s 22 million citizens are also electing members of parliament and local councillors.

This election marks another showdown between Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party and Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party. Chakwera rose to power promising to clean up what he described as endemic corruption under Mutharika’s leadership.

However, critics say his administration has been slow and selective in addressing corruption cases, fuelling voter frustration with both major parties.