By Suleman Chitera
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has officially declared Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) the winner of the September 16, 2025 presidential election, securing a decisive 56.8% of valid votes.
Announcing the results in Lilongwe, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja confirmed that out of 7,203,390 registered voters, 5,502,982 Malawians cast their ballots, representing an impressive 76.4% voter turnout. A total of 155,225 votes (2.8%) were declared void, leaving 5,347,757 valid votes to determine the winner.
Final Presidential Election Results 2025 – Malawi
- Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika (DPP) – 3,035,249 (56.8%)
- Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera (MCP) – 1,765,170 (33.0%)
- Dr. Dalitso Kabambe (UTM) – 211,413 (4.0%)
- Atupele Austin Muluzi (UDF) – 102,744 (1.9%)
- Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda (PP) – 86,106 (1.6%)
- Akwame Bandawe (AAA) – 40,052 (0.7%)
- Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi (Odya Zake) – 16,922 (0.3%)
- Kamuzu Chibambo (PETRA) – 17,274 (0.3%)
- Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa (PDP) – 12,251 (0.2%)
- Other Independent & Minor Party Candidates – Less than 0.5% each
A Landslide Victory for DPP
With over 3 million votes, Mutharika’s win marks a strong comeback for the Democratic Progressive Party, reclaiming leadership after previously being voted out in 2020. His closest rival, incumbent President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), trailed by over 1.2 million votes.
What This Means for Malawi
The outcome reflects a major political shift as voters entrusted Mutharika and the DPP to lead Malawi once again. Analysts suggest that campaign promises on economic growth, job creation, and national stability resonated strongly with the electorate.
Key Takeaways
Voter turnout: 76.4% – one of the highest in Malawi’s electoral history.
Winner: Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika (DPP) – 56.8%.
Main challenger: Dr. Lazarus Chakwera (MCP) – 33.0%.
Other candidates collectively secured less than 10% of the vote.
The declaration of results closes an intense election period, with stakeholders now urging for peace, unity, and national development as Malawi moves into a new chapter under President-elect Peter Mutharika.
