In a historic moment of democratic transition, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has formally conceded defeat in the country’s 2025 general elections, paving the way for former President Peter Mutharika, 85, to return to power.
The concession was announced in a statememt from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
The statement acknowledges the preliminary results that indicate a victory for Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
“The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) formally acknowledges the preliminary results of the 2025 general elections, which indicate a victory for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
“While we may harbor concerns regarding aspects of the electoral process, we respect the will of the Malawian people and concede defeat in this contest,” the statement reads.
The announcement comes after a tense week of vote counting following the September 16, 2025, polls, which pitted the two political rivals against each other for the third time.
Mutharika, who served as president from 2014 to 2020, appeared to be leading in preliminary results released by the MEC, though official tallies are still awaited.
The MCP has commended its supporters for their peaceful participation and congratulated the DPP on their performance, stating that President Chakwera has expressed his readiness to accept the outcome and peacefully effect the passage of all transitions into active political life.
“We commend our supporters for their dedication and peaceful participation, and we congratulate the DPP on their performance.
Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has expressed his readiness to accept the outcome and peacefully effect the passage of all transitions into active political life.” Read the statement.
