Peter Mutharika Pledges National Unity After Securing Malawi's Presidency in September 16 Election

Mutharika Returns to Power After Decisive Victory

Peter Mutharika has been declared the President-elect of Malawi, securing a decisive victory in the presidential election held on September 16, 2025. Following his win, Mutharika pledged to unite the nation and focus on the critical task of rebuilding the country. This marks a significant return to power for Mutharika, who previously served as president from 2014 to 2020.

Election Results and Concession

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officially announced the results, confirming that Mutharika, candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), garnered 56.8% of the total votes cast. His main challenger, incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), received 33% of the vote. Chakwera subsequently conceded defeat, congratulating Mutharika on his victory. The election saw a significant turnout, with approximately 76% of the nearly 11 million eligible voters participating.

A Call for Unity and National Rebuilding

In the wake of his electoral success, President-elect Mutharika emphasized the importance of national cohesion. His pledge to unite the nation and concentrate on rebuilding efforts comes at a crucial time for Malawi. During his previous tenure and in past addresses, Mutharika has consistently highlighted themes of national reconciliation and collective progress. For instance, following his 2014 election, he called for a 'unity of purpose' and urged Malawians to 'pick up the pieces' and work together for development, irrespective of political affiliations.

Political Landscape and Economic Challenges

The 2025 election was closely watched, with political analysts describing Mutharika's victory as a 'protest vote' against the performance of the incumbent administration. Malawi has faced considerable economic challenges in recent years, including a multi-year economic crisis, high inflation rates exceeding 20%, and shortages of essential goods such as fuel, fertilizer, and medicine. These issues, exacerbated by climate disasters, were central to the election discourse. Mutharika's return to office is seen by many as an opportunity to address these pressing concerns and steer the country towards economic recovery and stability.