By Obinna Uballa
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday conceded defeat in last week’s election, acknowledging that his rival and predecessor Peter Mutharika had built what he described as an “insurmountable lead.”
Chakwera, 70, a former pastor who rose to power in 2020 after unseating Mutharika, said in a televised address that he had already called to congratulate the 84-year-old constitutional law expert and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader.
“A few minutes ago, I called Professor Mutharika to wish him well,” Chakwera said, speaking just hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission was due to release official results of the September 16 poll.
“The tally so far has made it clear that my rival Peter Mutharika has an insurmountable lead over me,” he added.
The campaign was dominated by the country’s deepening economic crisis, with opponents faulting Chakwera for mismanagement, indecisiveness and failure to rein in corruption, reports said.
Inflation soared to 33 percent during his tenure, while the price of maize and fertiliser, critical in the agriculture-dependent nation, more than doubled.
“In the days that remain, I want you to know that I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power,” Chakwera said. “I know that many of you who supported my campaign for re-election will be disappointed.”
