MCP AXED! APM, Back at the Helm
By Joel Nkhoma
For the second time, the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has demonstrated its resilience, bouncing back into the country’s political spotlight. Its torchbearer in the September 16, 2025 General Elections, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, secured an emphatic victory.
At 85, Mutharika polled over 3 million of the 5.3 million valid votes cast, representing 56.3 percent, giving him a clear lead over 16 other contestants.
His closest rival, outgoing President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), who campaigned on promises of food security and infrastructure development, managed 1.7 million votes, or 33 percent of the total.
In the tense hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) was due to announce results, Chakwera sought a court injunction to stop the declaration, citing alleged irregularities. The courts rejected his bid. Hours later, in a televised address, he conceded defeat.
“After listening to the results released by MEC two nights ago, it is clear that Professor Peter Mutharika has an insurmountable lead. It is therefore only right that I concede defeat out of respect for you, the voters, and the constitution of Malawi,” said Chakwera.
He assured Malawians that he and his leadership would ensure a smooth transition of power to the President-elect.
Chakwera’s conciliatory tone contrasted sharply with earlier claims by his running mate, Vitumbiko Mumba, and party spokesperson Jessie Kabwila, who prematurely declared MCP the winner. At the same time, a few DPP stalwarts also jumped the gun with their own press conference declaring victory, prompting MEC and observers to condemn both sides.
Even Dr Dalitso Kabambe, another opposition candidate, broke ranks by congratulating Mutharika before official results were announced.
After eight days of tallying, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja declared the official results at the National Tally Centre in Lilongwe.
“The Commission’s assessment is that the elections were free and fair and that the result is a reflection of the will of the people of Malawi,” she said.
She wished Mutharika and his running mate, Justice Jane Ansah, success in leading the country, urging them not to betray the trust Malawians had placed in them.
Celebrations broke out across the country as supporters of APM—Mutharika’s popular moniker—danced, honked car horns, and flooded social media with congratulatory messages.
The victory was particularly striking given the contrasting campaign styles. While Chakwera crisscrossed every region with a rigorous schedule, Mutharika restricted himself to a few major population centers. His strategy, however, resonated with ordinary people by focusing on rising living costs, food shortages, and lingering questions over the death of former Vice President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima.
This is not Mutharika’s first return to power. In 2014, he led the DPP back into government by defeating President Joyce Banda, who had assumed office after the death of his brother, President Bingu wa Mutharika, in 2012.
In 2019, he again defeated Chakwera and Chilima, only for the Constitutional Court to nullify the result, forcing a rerun in 2020. That rerun swept him out of power, with Chakwera and Chilima leading a coalition.
Five years later, the tables have turned.
Out of over 7 million registered voters, 5.3 million turned out to cast valid votes, while about 155,000 ballots were spoiled.
Observers noted that these elections signaled a shift from traditional tribal or regional voting patterns. Mutharika made strong gains in the north and center, while retaining his dominance in the south. Chakwera, however, failed to break through beyond his core base.
As this magazine went to press, MEC still faced the task of finalizing parliamentary results within 14 days of polling and local government results within 21 days.
