Malawi holds elections on September 16 for president, parliament, and local councils. Results come out on September 24 for the presidential race first. Parliamentary and councillor results follow after that date. Presidential hopefuls must file papers during the first week. Each candidate picks their running mate at that time.
Violence already marks the campaign period before voting starts. The ruling Malawi Congress Party blocks opposition groups from campaigning in their strong areas. MCP thugs with pangas attacked lawmakers near Parliament in Lilongwe. Police have not arrested these criminals despite clear video evidence. Opposition parties face harassment across multiple regions.
President Lazarus Chakwera faces challenger Arthur Peter Mutharika from the Democratic Progressive Party. Courts overturned the 2019 election and ordered a rerun that brought Chakwera to power. The Supreme Court backed this decision and set a legal precedent. Losing parties may challenge the results in court again. Chakwera's Tonse Alliance partnership has collapsed completely.
Recent polls show Chakwera trails badly behind his main rivals. Mutharika leads with 62 percent support from nearly 40,000 voters. UTM candidate Dalitso Kabambe comes second with 23 percent backing. Chakwera managed just 3,858 votes in the same survey. Another poll found 81 percent doubt his reelection chances.
Violence already marks the campaign period before voting starts. The ruling Malawi Congress Party blocks opposition groups from campaigning in their strong areas. MCP thugs with pangas attacked lawmakers near Parliament in Lilongwe. Police have not arrested these criminals despite clear video evidence. Opposition parties face harassment across multiple regions.
President Lazarus Chakwera faces challenger Arthur Peter Mutharika from the Democratic Progressive Party. Courts overturned the 2019 election and ordered a rerun that brought Chakwera to power. The Supreme Court backed this decision and set a legal precedent. Losing parties may challenge the results in court again. Chakwera's Tonse Alliance partnership has collapsed completely.
Recent polls show Chakwera trails badly behind his main rivals. Mutharika leads with 62 percent support from nearly 40,000 voters. UTM candidate Dalitso Kabambe comes second with 23 percent backing. Chakwera managed just 3,858 votes in the same survey. Another poll found 81 percent doubt his reelection chances.
