Campaigning in Malawi ended over the weekend with rival rallies in Lilongwe and Blantyre, as President Lazarus Chakwera and former leader Peter Mutharika emerged as the frontrunners in what is expected to be a close election.
The southern African country of 21 million faces a deep economic crisis, with widespread fuel shortages, soaring food prices, and limited foreign currency reserves. The hardships, compounded by droughts and recent cyclones, have been at the heart of campaign promises.
Chakwera, 70, urged supporters in the capital to remain hopeful, pledging to ease the rising cost of living and continue development projects. Mutharika, 85, speaking in Blantyre, vowed to “rescue” the nation with reforms and job creation, accusing the government of mismanagement.
About 7.2 million voters are registered to cast their ballots, with results expected later in the week. Analysts say the crowded field of 17 candidates makes a second round likely, since a winner must secure more than 50 percent of the vote.
As Malawians prepare to vote, many remain skeptical that the election will bring immediate relief. Long queues for fuel and food remain a daily reminder of the challenges the next government will inherit.
