Malawi’s political landscape witnessed significant developments following a recent general election, as the high court in Lilongwe dismissed a bid by incumbent President Lazarus Chakweraand his Malawi Congress Party (MCP)to block the announcement of final results. The court’s decision, delivered late on Tuesday by high court judge Howard Pemba, deemed Chakwera and the MCP’s request for an injunction preventing the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from declaring results as “premature.” While the court allowed for a judicial review of the alleged electoral irregularities, it affirmed the MEC’s right to proceed with publishing the final results as scheduled.

Unofficial results had projected opposition leader and former president Peter Mutharika, 85, on track for victory with a commanding 56% of the vote, while 70-year-old Chakwera trailed with just 24%. Judiciary spokesperson Ruth Mputeni confirmed that the court’s ruling meant the MEC could proceed with its announcement. Legal expert Danwood Chirwa explained that for a judicial review, an administrative action or decision must have already taken place, indicating that Chakwera’s request to halt the process was indeed premature as the MEC was still exercising its due diligence in verifying and declaring results.

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Amid mounting tension, prominent figures urged President Chakwera to prioritize statesmanship over a prolonged legal battle. Former president Bakili Muluzi, a seasoned elder statesman, personally appealed to Chakwera to concede, emphasizing “There is life after State House” and suggesting a phone call to Mutharika would demonstrate leadership maturity and safeguard national harmony. The Malawi Council of Churches, through its chairperson Reverend Billy Gamah, echoed these sentiments, noting that provisional results left little room for an upset and that an early concession would promote peace and national progress.

Observers highlighted that a smooth transition would significantly bolster Malawi’s image as a stable democracy within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU),also reassuring international development partners. Conversely, analysts warned that any delay or contestation of the results by Chakwera could lead to widespread unrest in major cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre, potentially necessitating regional mediation to prevent instability and protect Malawi’s fragile economy.

On Wednesday, President Lazarus Chakwera officially conceded defeat in the presidential election. In an address to the nation, he stated, “It is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution.” Just hours before the election authority was due to announce the final results, Chakwera confirmed he had called Professor Mutharika to convey his best wishes, acknowledging that it was clear his rival had an “insurmountable lead.”

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Chakwera, a former pastor, had come to power in the 2020 elections, defeating the then-president Mutharika. However, the recent election was heavily influenced by the dire state of Malawi’s economy. Critics accused Chakwera of mismanagement, indecisiveness, and failing to address corruption and job creation promises. During his term, the agriculture-dependent nation saw costs soar, with inflation reaching 33% and significant price hikes for staple food maize and fertilizer, which became key election issues.

Concluding his address, President Chakweraaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power, acknowledging the disappointment among his re-election campaign supporters. His concession marks a critical step towards maintaining stability and democratic principles in Malawi.