Malawi ex-president Peter Mutharika wins comeback election at age 85

Malawi's former president Peter Mutharika has been declared the winner of last week's presidential election, marking a dramatic comeback for the 85-year-old. Official results show he won 57% of the vote, compared with 33% for President Lazarus Chakwera.

Chakwera, a pastor before entering politics, conceded defeat ahead of the final result being declared, phoning Mutharika to congratulate him on his "historic win".

Malawi's economy is in a deep crisis, with a severe shortage of fuel and foreign currency. The official inflation rate is close to 30%, and in Lilongwe a frozen chicken costs about $20.

The election commission said it took the full eight days it was allowed to announce the result because it wanted to check everything carefully and address complaints first.

The 2019 election, also won by Mutharika, was annulled by the country's highest court, which found widespread irregularities, including the use of correction fluid to alter results. Chakwera won the rerun the following year.

Mutharika's win comes as observers note that under Chakwera, corruption allegations, a weak economy, high living costs, frequent power cuts and a shortage of foreign currency pushed Malawians to seek change.

Chakwera's allies blamed drought, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine as factors beyond his control.

Mutharika's campaign mantra, "a return to proven leadership," resonated with voters seeking stability.

Supporters in Lilongwe celebrated, with hundreds singing and dancing on the streets as horns blared and music filled the air.

The swearing-in must be organized between seven and 30 days after the announcement of the result.

Mutharika will inherit a presidency tasked with restoring confidence, reviving industry and repairing an economy battered by inflation and energy shortages.

This result marks his fourth electoral duel with Chakwera, including the 2014 contest and a 2020 rerun.