Lilongwe, Malawi – Millions of Malawians are casting their ballots today, September 16, 2025, in a tripartite general election to choose a president, 229 members of the National Assembly, and 509 local government councillors. The vote is taking place amid widespread public frustration over a severe economic downturn that has defined the final years of incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera's first term.

Approximately 7.2 million registered voters are eligible to participate in an election that is largely seen as a referendum on the current administration's handling of the economy. The nation has been grappling with a prolonged cost-of-living crisis, with inflation consistently above 20%, crippling fuel shortages, and rising food insecurity. The country's economic woes have been exacerbated by recent natural disasters, including the devastating Cyclone Freddy in 2023 and a severe drought in 2024, which have heavily impacted the predominantly agricultural economy.

The presidential race features a competitive field of 17 candidates, but the contest is largely seen as a three-way battle between the incumbent and two of his predecessors.

Incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is seeking re-election, asking voters for more time to fulfill his campaign promises. He is challenged by former president Peter Mutharika (2014–2020), leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Mutharika's 2019 re-election was annulled by the courts due to widespread irregularities, leading to a historic 2020 rerun that Chakwera won. Also contesting is Joyce Banda, who served as president from 2012 to 2014. Banda, leading the People's Party, seeks a return to power after her previous term was scarred by the "Cashgate" corruption scandal.

This election marks the first time a presidential candidate must secure over 50% of the national vote to be declared the winner outright. This new rule was instituted following the court-ordered 2020 election. If no candidate achieves a majority, a runoff between the top two contenders must be held within 30 days.

While voter registration numbers are high, with women constituting a majority at 57% of the electorate, there are concerns about potential voter apathy. Political analysts point to growing disillusionment among citizens who feel that successive leaders have failed to address the country's deep-seated economic challenges.

Voting commenced at 6 a.m. local time and has reportedly been proceeding peacefully in major cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre. To ensure transparency and fairness, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has deployed an electoral observation mission, headed by the former deputy prime minister of Eswatini, Themba N. Masuku.

The Malawi Electoral Commission is expected to announce the official results within a week. The winner of the presidential contest will face the immense task of stabilizing the economy and restoring public confidence in the country's leadership.