By Suleman Chitera
As Malawi heads to the September 16, 2025 general elections, tension is building over the credibility of the process and the possibility of disputed election results. While President Lazarus Chakwera seeks another mandate, opposition parties have warned that any sign of irregularities could spark mass rejection of the outcome.
Historical Context of Disputed Elections in Malawi
Malawi has a long history of contested election results. The 2019 presidential election, which initially declared Peter Mutharika winner, was later nullified by the Constitutional Court following massive protests and evidence of irregularities. This landmark ruling made Malawi only the second country in Africa to overturn a presidential election in court, setting a precedent for heightened public scrutiny in subsequent polls.
In 2020, fresh elections brought Chakwera to power, but the memory of those chaotic months still lingers among voters and civil society groups.
Public Concerns Ahead of the 2025 Polls
As the September elections draw near, concerns are mounting over:
Transparency of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC): Critics say MEC must ensure timely and transparent results tallying to avoid suspicion.
Neutrality of state institutions: Some opposition parties accuse security agencies of bias, warning that this could trigger unrest if results appear skewed.
Misinformation and social media influence: Fake news and unverified claims threaten to inflame political divisions.
Stakeholder Responses
MEC has pledged free and fair elections, assuring Malawians that new technologies and observer participation will boost credibility.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) and faith groups have launched voter education campaigns urging calm, patience, and respect for legal channels in case of disputes.
Regional and international observers, including the African Union and SADC, are expected to monitor the elections closely.
Analysts Warn of Possible Rejection of Results
Political analysts say that if Malawians perceive the election as unfair or manipulated, there is a strong chance of public rejection of results, especially if they favour the incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera. Analysts argue that:
Citizens are increasingly intolerant of electoral malpractice.
A lack of transparency in vote counting could trigger demonstrations.
Malawi’s youthful population, which played a critical role in the 2019–2020 protests, may again demand accountability through street action.
The Path Forward
Observers stress that peaceful elections require all stakeholders to commit to fairness and transparency. While rejection of results remains a possibility in highly contested environments, Malawi’s institutions—courts, MEC, civil society, and security agencies—will be crucial in managing any disputes.
As the countdown to September 16, 2025 continues, the big question remains: Will Malawians accept the outcome, or will the country face another wave of electoral disputes?
