By Draxon Maloya
Malawi erupted in nationwide celebration Wednesday night as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officially declared Professor Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) the winner of the September 16 presidential election, securing 56.8% of the vote.
The announcement marked a dramatic political comeback for the 85-year-old former president, ousting the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and its leader, Lazarus Chakwera, after five years in office.
From Blantyre to Mzuzu, the streets were flooded with jubilant supporters chanting, dancing, and waving party flags. “This is the dawn we’ve been waiting for,” shouted the DPP vice president for the Central Region, Alfred Gangata in Lilongwe. “Malawi is ready to rise again.”
Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, chairperson of MEC, delivered the results in a packed auditorium, declaring Mutharika and his running mate, Justice Jane Mayemo Ansah, as president-elect and vice president-elect respectively.
Her conduct was widely praised by observers for upholding electoral integrity. “Justice Mtalimanja has restored faith in Malawi’s democracy,” said one European Union observer. “This election was free, fair, and credible.”
Outgoing president Lazarus Chakwera, in his final State of the Nation address, offered a measured concession.
“Though I have reservations about how certain irregularities were handled,” he said, “I acknowledge the will of the people and congratulate Professor Mutharika. I pledge my support for a peaceful transition.”
Chakwera had sought judicial review over alleged electoral flaws, but High Court Judge Chinangwa ruled that MEC could proceed with announcing the results. The ruling cleared the path for Mutharika’s victory to be formalized.
Meanwhile, anticipation builds for Mutharika’s maiden speech. His spokesperson, Shadreck Namalomba, told the media,
“The president-elect will speak to the nation Thursday afternoon. His message will be one of unity, renewal, and economic revival.” Said Namalomba.
In a symbolic gesture, Mutharika’s team ordered Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) reporters to vacate his Sunnyside residence, citing the broadcaster’s partisan conduct during the campaign.
“The people have spoken,” said one DPP official. “And they’ve rejected propaganda in favour of progress.”
State House is expected to release the official swearing-in schedule soon. Mutharika has vowed to restore economic stability and national pride. “Malawi will rise again,” he declared in a brief statement. “We are ready to rebuild.”
