Politics

Malawi holds general election amidst economic hardship and fuel shortages

Published

2 months ago

September 16, 2025

Malawi voted in general elections Tuesday, with the incumbent president and his predecessor vying for a second chance to govern the largely poor southern African nation, battered by soaring costs and fuel shortages.

Thousands of people waited under trees or outside schools at outdoor polling stations across the mostly rural country for a vote focused on the faltering economy of one of the poorest countries in the world.

Seventeen candidates are running for president, but observers say the race is between outgoing Lazarus Chakwera and Peter Mutharika, who also duelled in the 2019 vote that was nullified over tampering and followed by a rerun.

Chakwera, a 70-year-old pastor, and law professor Mutharika, 85, have campaigned on improving the agriculture-dependent economy battered by drought in 2024 and a 2023 cyclone.

In urban centres, many young people—who make up around 60 per cent of the 7.2 million registered voters — expressed a desire for change.

“There is anger in us,” said Ettah Nyasulu, 28, a waitress in the capital Lilongwe, before heading to vote.

“I want to change this government. I want young people to be in good jobs, to have opportunities to change our lives,” she said.

Inflation is running at above 27 per cent, while the costs of living surged 75 per cent in 12 months, according to reports citing the Centre for Social Concern, a non-governmental organisation.

Around 70 per cent of the majority young population of 21 million people live in poverty, according to the World Bank.

Chakwera stood in line to vote with hundreds of locals at his humble home village of Malembo, about 56 kilometres (35 miles) northeast of Lilongwe, with soldiers standing guard nearby.

“Sometimes he helps us by giving us maize. He is our saviour,” said Tilore Chimalizeni, 58, a farmer and single mother of four from the village who also cares for two orphans.

‘Disappointments’

The election is also for seats in parliament and local wards. Polling stations close at 4:00 pm (1400 GMT) and ballot counting starts immediately, with the results expected as early as Thursday.

With a winner of the presidential ballot requiring more than 50 per cent of votes, a run-off within 60 days is likely.

Voting was proceeding smoothly with all the more than 15,000 polling booths open, Malawi Election Commission chief Annabel Mtalimanja told reporters mid-morning.

“It’s a very peaceful election process. People have gathered in large numbers,” Malembo MP Lawrence Chaziya told AFP.

Chakwera and Mutharika have both been accused of cronyism, corruption, and economic mismanagement in their first terms, but other candidates—including the only woman, former president Joyce Banda—did not appear to be attracting significant support, according to polls.

Voters are confronted with a choice between “two disappointments,” said political commentator Chris Nhlane.

“Both men embody unfulfilled potential and dashed hopes, yet Malawians must still choose a lesser liability between them,” he told AFP.

Chakwera, from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) that led the nation to independence from Britain in 1964, has pleaded in his campaign for continuity to “finish what we started,” flaunting several infrastructure projects.

“There have been complaints about the cost of living, the lack of resources, and food scarcity,” he told a rally on Saturday in Lilongwe, a MCP support base.

“I have heard all of them, and I have taken your words to heart. We will fix things,” he said.

Chakwera was elected with around 59 per cent of the vote in the 2020 rerun, but five years later, there is some nostalgia for Mutharika’s “relatively better administration,” said analyst Mavuto Bamusi.

“Chakwera’s incumbency advantage has been significantly messed up by poor economic performance,” he said.

“I want to rescue this country,” Mutharika told a cheering weekend rally of his Democratic Progressive Party in the second city of Blantyre, the heartland of the party that has promised a “return to proven leadership” and economic reform.

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Politics

Jigawa PDP Disowns ‘Fake Delegates’ At Ibadan Convention

Published

2 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disowned individuals parading themselves as its delegates at the party’s convention in Ibadan, warning that no authentic delegate from the state took part in the exercise amid the PDP’s deepening national crisis.

The state chairman of the party, Aliyu Jalam Gumel, issued the disclaimer in a statement posted on his official Facebook page late Saturday, insisting that Jigawa PDP was not represented at the convention.

His position came hours after the Ibadan gathering went ahead despite a fresh Federal High Court order halting the event and reaffirming former governor Sule Lamido’s eligibility to participate in party leadership processes.

Gumel said impostors had been circulating false claims online, posing as elected delegates from Jigawa.

“These impostors do not represent us. Jigawa PDP is committed to genuine reconciliation and legal processes that unite, not divide, our great party,” he wrote.

He added that anyone presenting themselves as a Jigawa delegate at the Ibadan convention was nothing but “a fraudster.”

The chairman stressed that the chapter’s decision to boycott the convention aligned with the Federal High Court judgment restoring Lamido’s right to contest the chairmanship.

“The Jigawa chapter, under my leadership, has boycotted the event entirely. This stance complies with the court judgment favouring Lamido’s participation in party processes,” he stated.

Gumel noted that the chapter would only participate in lawful and inclusive party activities.

“We are not participating in the convention,” he affirmed. “The decision underscores Jigawa’s loyalty to legal directives and internal reconciliation efforts.”

Expressing worry over the current state of the party, Gumel lamented that the PDP had been engulfed by internal discord.

“We are saddened by the way our party affairs are being handled, especially the current crisis rocking its foundations,” he said.

Despite the turmoil, he maintained that Jigawa PDP remained committed to restoring unity.

“Our chapter is resolute in participating only in processes that will reconcile our party. We call upon leaders to reach out to all aggrieved parties and find a solution to this crisis,” he urged.

Reiterating the chapter’s position, the chairman cautioned the public against recognising anyone claiming to represent Jigawa.

“The Jigawa State Chapter of the PDP has distanced itself from the ongoing convention. Any person claiming to be a delegate from Jigawa State is a fraudster,” he warned.

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Politics

PHOTOS: Goodluck Jonathan Supporters Storm PDP Convention

Published

24 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporting the political ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan have stormed the venue of the party’s ongoing elective convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The supporters were spotted flying flags with Goodluck Jonathan’s photo projecting the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, as his running mate.

Naija News reports that there has been speculation about Jonathan’s possible comeback to run for the 2027 presidential election.

Although the former president has been mum on the matter, his associates confirmed his alleged readiness to contest the much anticipated election.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde’s posters were also sighted at the convention venue on Friday.

Meanwhile, four governors of the PDP have arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, even as a Federal High Court order has halted the party’s planned national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

The South-West Chairman of the party, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, confirmed to Saturday Punch on Friday that the governors of Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri; and Oyo, Seyi Makinde, were already in Ibadan ahead of the exercise.

The leadership presence comes amid deepening internal battles between factions loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and those aligned with the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

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Politics

Why Fayose Faced Problems During First Tenure As Governor – Tinubu

Published

24 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the resilience of former governor, Ayodele Fayose, during his time in office.

He pointed out that the misuse of presidential authority contributed significantly to the crisis that cut short the administration.

The President made the remark in a congratulatory statement issued in honour of Fayose, who turns 65 on November 15.

“Although his initial term as Governor of Ekiti faced considerable upheaval and was prematurely terminated due to the abuse of presidential powers, his courage remained steadfast.

“He endured the ordeal with remarkable strength and handled adversity with admirable calm,” Tinubu said.

Fayose was removed from office in 2006 after then-President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State, an episode Tinubu alluded to in his tribute.

Despite that setback, Tinubu noted that Fayose went on to achieve one of the most notable political resurgences in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“He made a historic return in 2014, becoming the first politician to defeat two sitting governors in separate electoral contests,” the President stated.

Tinubu described Fayose, popularly called Osokomole, as a fearless political actor known for his clarity of conviction.

“Osokomole is a man who never lacks the courage to stand by his beliefs. You always know where he stands. His consistency, whether in agreement or disagreement, defines his strength as a national figure. He speaks his mind without fear or favour,” he said.

The President commended Fayose’s close relationship with the grassroots, noting that his nickname Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor) accurately reflects his political style and public appeal.

“He is at home among ordinary citizens, particularly the vulnerable. He has mastered retail politics and built deep personal ties with the people,” Tinubu added.

Highlighting Fayose’s developmental strides, Tinubu said: “During his time in office, he recorded important achievements across key sectors. He improved road networks, expanded access to healthcare and education, and delivered notable projects such as the State High Court Complex and a new Governor’s Office.”

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