By Suleman Chitera, Lilongwe, Malawi
A pre-election survey by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) has placed Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika ahead of his rivals as Malawians’ top choice for the presidency in the upcoming September 16 elections.
According to the findings released Monday in Lilongwe, Mutharika commands a commanding 43% of the projected vote, significantly ahead of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader and current president Lazarus Chakwera, who polled at 26%. United Transformation Movement’s (UTM) Dalitso Kabambe trails in third with just 5%.
Other presidential hopefuls, including Atupele Muluzi of the United Democratic Front (2%) and People’s Party founder Joyce Banda (1%), registered minimal support. Meanwhile, 12% of respondents said they were undecided, and 6% refused to reveal their preference.
Strikingly, the report highlights a major generational shift: 50% of voters aged 18 to 35 expressed support for Mutharika, signaling a wave of youthful backing for the 84-year-old former president.
“This shows strong cross-generational appeal for Mutharika, which could be a game changer,” the report notes.
Interestingly, the IPOR survey indicates that traditional voting influences such as ethnicity, region, religion, and family loyalty may play a reduced role in this year’s elections.
IPOR, which conducted the research between July 6 and 20, has promised to release a follow-up survey closer to polling day to capture voter sentiment after campaign season peaks.
The findings were presented to political parties, civil society organizations, and members of the media during a stakeholders’ meeting held in the capital.
As the clock ticks toward September 16, all eyes will be on whether Mutharika can maintain this momentum—or if the tide will turn.
