By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Malawians Vote in Closely Watched General Election
Voters across Malawi cast their ballots on Tuesday in a general election that has drawn keen interest both at home and abroad, as the country struggles with deep economic challenges.
Polls opened at 6 a.m. local time (0400 GMT), with long queues forming hours earlier in many rural areas. Some stations experienced delays, but overall turnout was high. Voting ends at 4 p.m., after which ballot counting begins immediately.
Seventeen candidates are vying for the presidency, but the main contest is between incumbent Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and his predecessor Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Chakwera, 70, has urged Malawians to let him continue his work, pointing to infrastructure projects and a recent reduction in fertiliser prices.
He has acknowledged public frustration over rising living costs and food shortages, promising to address mismanagement within his government.
Mutharika, 85, is campaigning on a message of restoring stability, telling supporters that he will deliver “proven leadership” and fix the economy. At a rally in Blantyre, he vowed to rescue the country from worsening poverty.
The vote comes as Malawi faces inflation above 27 percent, a 75 percent increase in living costs over the past year, and widespread poverty affecting about 70 percent of the population, according to World Bank estimates. The country has also endured two droughts and a devastating cyclone in 2023, which left lasting damage to livelihoods.
With 7.2 million registered voters — about 60 percent of them under the age of 35 — youth participation is seen as critical in deciding the outcome. Civic groups have been encouraging young voters to overcome apathy and take part.
To win outright, a candidate must secure more than half of the votes cast. If no candidate reaches that threshold, a second round will be held within 60 days.
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