Well-wishes are pouring in for Malawi’s President-elect Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, 85, as he prepares to return to office.
Despite a legal challenge by outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera and his party the Malawi Congress Party (MPC) over alleged irregularities, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) confirmed that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) emerged victorious in the elections held on 16 September amid the country’s worst economic distress.
According to the MEC, over seven million people registered to vote while over five million were able to cast their votes. Mutharika who is set to become Africa’s second-oldest president after Cameroon’s 92-year-old Paul Biya received 58% of the total votes.
As previously reported by Live Africa News, 17 candidates contested the elections which were largely seen as a showdown between Chakwera, and his predecessor Mutharika.
The two rivals have faced off at the polls twice: Initially in 2014, when Mutharika emerged victorious, and again in 2020, when Chakwera won a rerun with 59% of the vote after the initial election was nullified due to irregularities.
Tanzania president Samia Suhulu took to social media to congratulate Mutharika and wish him well and also commended Chakwera for his promise of a smooth transition.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I convey my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President-elect of the Republic of Malawi, on his victory in the 2025 Malawian general election. I look forward to working together to further strengthen our historic ties.
“I commend His Excellency President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the people of Malawi, for a peaceful election and a smooth transition.”
“Following the fair and peaceful elections in Malawi, I congratulate the President-elect Peter Mutharika. My tribute also goes to the outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera, a model in Africa for supporting democracy. I look forward to further strengthening our existing strong relations,” Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye shared.
Fugitive pastor and self-declared prophet Shepherd Bushiri who is sought for various crimes in South Africa also echoed the same sentiments.
“This triumph is not only a reflection of the trust and confidence the people of Malawi have placed in your leadership, but also a testament to your steadfast commitment to service, unity, and national development.
“As you take up the mantle once again, it is my earnest prayer that God grants you wisdom, strength, and divine guidance to lead this great nation into a new era of peace, inclusiveness, and prosperity. May your tenure be marked by visionary leadership that uplifts every Malawian,” he said.
