In a dramatic and historic turn of events, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has publicly conceded defeat in the 2025 presidential election, just hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) was scheduled to announce the official results.
Chakwera, who has led the country since 2020, made the announcement in a solemn televised address from Kamuzu Palace on Tuesday night.
“This outcome is a reflection of your collective will to have a change of government … out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution,” Chakwera said, congratulating the leading opposition candidate and urging his supporters to remain calm, dignified, and committed to democratic principles.
His statement came against a backdrop of tension in Lilongwe, where thousands of his supporters had taken to the streets earlier in the week, blocking roads and questioning the credibility of early partial tallies. MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja had appealed for patience, insisting that the commission would deliver a free, fair, and credible result.
Opposition’s Strong Lead
Although the MEC has yet to make an official declaration, preliminary figures and independent media projections showed a commanding lead for the opposition. Local broadcaster Times Television projected that former President Peter Mutharika would reclaim the presidency with more than 56 percent of the vote, while partial tallies reported by international media showed him ahead with up to 66 percent.
This was one of the most competitive elections in Malawi’s recent history, held on September 16, and drew a record voter turnout. Both the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had claimed early momentum before Chakwera’s surprise concession reset the political tone.
Local Media Praise Statesmanship
The concession has been widely praised both at home and abroad. Malawi’s leading newspaper The Nation called it “a rare demonstration of humility by an incumbent, raising the bar for leadership in our nation.” Malawi24 noted that “in conceding before official results, Chakwera has handed over moral authority to the incoming administration, even before the numerical mandate is formalized.”
On Zodiak Malawi, a prominent political analyst observed: “This concession has already altered the political climate. Expectations are now that transition will be smooth, because the outgoing president has signaled cooperation.”
The Daily Times stressed that Chakwera’s gesture could help defuse political tension and prevent post-election violence in communities already strained by economic hardship.
International Reactions
Observers across Africa and beyond have hailed the move as a rare act of statesmanship on a continent where incumbents often resist electoral defeat. International partners pointed to the concession as a defining moment in Malawi’s democratic journey and an example for the region.
Legacy and Transition
By conceding early, Chakwera has effectively paved the way for a peaceful transfer of power, reducing the likelihood of contested results or protracted legal battles. While his administration has been criticized for slow progress on corruption and economic reforms, many believe his legacy will now also be judged by the dignity and humility with which he chose to exit.
With the MEC expected to formally declare the winner in the coming hours, Malawi stands at the threshold of change. Attention is turning to President-elect Peter Mutharika, who faces immediate challenges in stabilizing the economy, addressing inflation, and reuniting a divided electorate.
For Chakwera, history may remember not just his presidency, but the moment he chose the unity of the nation over the uncertainty of political contestation — a decision that may reshape Malawi’s democratic culture for years to come.
