LILONGWE – As Malawians prepare to vote in the highly anticipated presidential election on September 16, many are doing so with deep frustration and skepticism. In a crowded field of 17 candidates, three are former presidents, and one is the current vice president — a sign, analysts say, that the country’s political system is stuck in a cycle of recycled leadership.
While technically democratic, the upcoming election offers Malawians little hope for meaningful change, as the economy continues to falter and public trust in politicians has hit a new low.
“Whether it is Chakwera or [Peter] Mutharika, nothing changes for us. It’s like choosing between two sides of the same coin,” said Victor Shawa, a 23-year-old unemployed voter in Lilongwe.
Disillusioned Malawians Face Stark Economic Realities
Current president Lazarus Chakwera, a 70-year-old former evangelical preacher, is seeking a second term after a turbulent first term marked by economic instability, corruption scandals, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. His main rival is Peter Mutharika, 85, who served as president from 2014 until his controversial defeat in 2020.
Chakwera rose to power following the annulment of the 2019 election due to widespread irregularities. In the historic 2020 rerun, he secured nearly 59% of the vote, defeating Mutharika and ushering in hopes of reform. But those hopes have largely faded.
“The optimism many Malawians felt in 2020 has evaporated,” said Michael Jana, a Malawian political scientist at Wits University in South Africa. “The economy is in crisis, the politicians are the same, and many don’t believe this election will change their lives.”
With inflation nearing 30%, fuel shortages, and a depreciating currency, the cost of living in Malawi has skyrocketed. These economic woes are top of mind for voters.
“I will vote for Chakwera because he has improved road infrastructure and supported youth businesses,” said Mervis Bodole, a 20-year-old small trader in central Malawi. “But the cost of living is still too high, and many of us are struggling.”
Along with Chakwera and Mutharika, Joyce Banda, Malawi’s only female president (2012–2014), and Vice President Michael Usi are also in the race. However, neither are expected to be frontrunners. The wildcard may be Dalitso Kabambe, a former central bank governor, who polls a distant third but could play a crucial role in any second-round runoff.
According to a recent Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) survey of 2,400 registered voters, Mutharika leads with 41%, ahead of Chakwera at 31%. With no candidate likely to secure more than 50% of the vote in the first round, a runoff is widely expected.
“Inflation, fuel shortages, and corruption have eroded public trust in Chakwera, whose support has nearly halved since 2020,” said Boniface Dulani, a political lecturer at the University of Malawi.
Despite the high number of candidates and political parties contesting this year’s election, most Malawians agree that the outcome hinges on a single issue: the economy.
“The economy, the economy, and the economy — in that order — is what is driving this election,” Dulani emphasized.
Chakwera’s presidency has been rocked by multiple crises, including Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which killed over 1,200 people, and successive droughts that further crippled agricultural productivity. Critics argue that his administration’s response to these events has been disorganized and lacking long-term vision.
“When people cannot afford food, when jobs are scarce, when inflation is out of control — those factors influence the vote more than anything else,” said Bertha Chikadza, president of the Economics Association of Malawi.
With over 60% of Malawi’s population under the age of 25, the youth voice is critical. However, many young Malawians feel alienated from a political system that repeatedly presents the same leaders.
“Young people are told we are the future,” said Shawa. “But when we look at these elections, all we see are the same old faces fighting for power while we fight to survive.”
While voter turnout is expected to be high, political analysts warn that the lack of credible alternatives and disillusionment with the establishment could dampen enthusiasm, especially among first-time voters.
Malawians will not only vote for president but also elect hundreds of local and parliamentary representatives on the same day. Official results are expected to be announced approximately one week after the September 16 vote.
Whether this election leads to a genuine shift in governance or simply extends the political status quo remains to be seen. What’s clear, however, is that Malawians are hungry for change—and they’re running out of patience.
Source- EWN
