Malawi’s 2025 Election Shocker: 85-Year-Old Mutharika Reclaims Presidency as Chakwera Is Ousted

Outgoing president Lazarus Chakwera

I can’t think of any groundbreaking projects or wide-ranging reforms that Lazarus Chakwera, the outgoing president of Malawi, implemented during his five years in the corridors of power at State House.

The one thing that stands out is from November 2023, when it was reported that Chakwera’s administration had sent over 200 young Malawians to work on Israeli farms. This labour export deal was pitched as a way to fight unemployment and boost economic recovery.

But the initiative quickly came under fire. Opposition leaders and rights groups raised concerns about transparency and safety, especially given the ongoing conflict in Israel.

That Chakwera lost to his 85-year-old predecessor-turned-successor, Peter Mutharika, is nothing short of a resounding vote of no confidence in his leadership—or lack thereof. According to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Mutharika secured 56.8% of the vote, while Chakwera trailed far behind with just 33%.

Chakwera conceded defeat in a televised address, citing respect for the constitution and the will of the people. But not before dashing to the courts with allegations of electoral irregularities against the MEC.

Chakwera casting his vote

Mutharika’s return to the presidency should spark a wider conversation about Malawi’s shortage of young leaders. Why would citizens rally behind an 85-year-old to represent their future? Are there really no young, educated, and skilled leaders with fresh ideas to steer Malawi toward prosperity? I have so many questions.

Chakwera now joins the short list of African leaders who only served a single five-year term before losing re-election bids. This club includes:

• John Dramani Mahama (Ghana): Re-elected in December 2024 and sworn in for his non-consecutive second term on 7 January 2025, after defeating Mahamudu Bawumia with about 56.55% of the vote.

• Goodluck Jonathan (Nigeria)

• Hery Rajaonarimampianina (Madagascar)

• Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana)

• Joyce Banda (Malawi)

To be fair, Chakwera didn’t completely sit on his hands. He did fire officials implicated in corruption; funded irrigation schemes to boost crop yields and fight drought; initiated water supply projects; and distributed loans to entrepreneurs to stimulate growth.

Some of these programmes gained traction, but broader economic reforms struggled. High inflation, corruption, governance failures, and currency devaluation choked progress.

By August 2025, Malawi’s annual inflation rate had spiked to 28.2%, a four-month high, up from 27.3% the previous month. Trading Economics attributed this surge to persistent pressures in both food and non-food categories, worsened by currency devaluation, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and the suspension of an IMF loan programme.

The economy is in crisis: high inflation, low growth, chronic foreign exchange shortages, and widespread food insecurity caused by repeated shocks like droughts and cyclones. Agriculture, especially tobacco and tea, remains the backbone, but it hasn’t been enough. Malawi recorded just 1.8% GDP growth in 2024, with only a slight uptick to 2% projected for 2025.

In this context, Chakwera’s ousting might be a blessing in disguise. Malawi has enormous potential. By investing in agriculture, infrastructure, and education, the country could create jobs, increase productivity, and reduce poverty. Strengthening governance, stamping out corruption, and attracting foreign investment would also go a long way toward building stability.

Mutharika’s re-election opens a new chapter, but at 85, questions linger: does he still have the stamina and vision to turn Malawi around? His presidency will be closely watched, as Malawians pin their hopes on meaningful progress in economic growth, poverty reduction, and governance.

Malawi's President-Elect Peter Mutharika

His return to power has reignited debate over whether he has the vigor and resolve to deliver lasting change, or whether age will prove an insurmountable barrier. As Malawi wrestles with its many challenges, only time will tell if he can defy expectations.

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