By Suleman Chitera
Malawi has witnessed one of the most dramatic political comebacks in its history. Former President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, who was voted out in 2020, has returned triumphantly to State House after clinching a decisive victory in the September 16, 2025 General Elections.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader defied all odds, defeating incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) with a clear margin. Opinion polls had predicted a tight race and even a possible runoff, but Mutharika rewrote the political script by securing 3,035,249 votes (56.8%)—well above the 50%+1 threshold. Chakwera trailed with 1,765,170 votes (33%), signaling a dramatic rejection of MCP by the electorate.Mutharika Trash Chakwera Invitation, Government Failed To Run Affairs Of Malawi
A Political Record in Africa
Mutharika’s victory is historic not only for Malawi but also for Africa. He becomes one of the few leaders on the continent to defeat incumbents twice. His comeback underscores a growing continental trend: electorates punishing underperforming governments while giving former leaders a second chance.
Pre-election surveys by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) consistently placed Mutharika ahead, with early polls showing him leading by 17 points over Chakwera. Yet analysts still predicted a runoff. The final outcome shattered those expectations.Peter Mutharika Promises to End Hunger and Build a Prosperous Malawi
Why Malawians Rejected MCP
For many ordinary Malawians, the 2025 election was less about nostalgia for the DPP and more about a referendum on MCP’s governance.
“I am not surprised. Life had become unbearable under the MCP. People simply wanted change,” said Steve Banda, a second-hand clothes vendor in Kasungu.
Chakwera’s five-year rule was marred by forex shortages, fuel queues, fertilizer crises, inflation, and a rising cost of living. Once hailed as a reformist after defeating Mutharika in 2020, Chakwera struggled to deliver on his Hi5 agenda of job creation, economic transformation, and clean governance.
Political analyst Wonderful Mkhuche notes:
“This was largely a protest vote. People voted for the DPP because MCP failed to deliver. But DPP must reform to avoid repeating past mistakes.”
The Comeback Campaign
Despite joining the campaign trail three weeks late, Mutharika’s strategy was focused and disciplined. Unlike Chakwera’s nationwide tours, he opted for symbolic rallies in strategic areas with a simple message: “The economy is in crisis, and only I can restore stability.”Limpopo FM accuses Vitumbiko Mumba of planning to hack BMTV
In rally after rally, from Ntcheu to Mzuzu, he told Malawians:
“You made a mistake to vote me out in 2020, but I have forgiven you. I have returned to rescue this country.”
The message resonated strongly with voters across regions, especially the youth, who make up over 60% of Malawi’s population. Surprisingly, IPOR surveys showed that nearly half of youthful voters leaned towards Mutharika, despite his age being a frequent attack line from rivals.
DPP’s Promise of Renewal
The DPP Manifesto 2025 promises bold reforms, including:
K5 billion Constituency Development Fund per constituency annually.
K200 million business fund for women and youth.
Free secondary education.
Civil servant housing projects.
Energy reforms to end blackouts.
A lean cabinet and reduced State House spending.
Such pledges, though familiar in Malawi’s politics, were framed as a “new deal” to win back voter trust.
A Historic Second Chance
Mutharika’s return carries heavy expectations. His earlier presidency (2014–2020) was credited with infrastructure development and digital reforms like the National ID project. Yet critics accused his government of being detached and slow during crises.
This time, voters like Banda in Kasungu are less patient:
“People just wanted change. But we expect quick results at household level.”
As he settles back into Kamuzu Palace, Mutharika’s heroic comeback is celebrated nationwide. But beyond the celebrations lies a daunting task: rebuilding an economy in crisis and regaining citizens’ trust.
If he delivers, his second coming will be remembered as a final vindication of his campaign slogan: “Return to Proven Leadership.”
