Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty hails Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s gesture as a demonstration of respect for the constitution, for democratic norms, and for the will of the people.
His Majesty King Mswati III, serving as the incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (commonly known as SADC Troika), has congratulated Malawi on what he called a “resounding success for democracy” following its 2025 General Election.
The king’s message — made public after regional observers affirmed the credibility of the process — underscores the importance of calm, patience and cooperation for a smooth transfer of power in the region.
“A Beacon of Peace and Stability”
The king’s statement opens by noting that on 16 September 2025, the people of Malawi turned out in their millions to elect a new President, Members of Parliament and local government councillors. He commended the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for its monitoring, citing its Preliminary Statement of 18 September 2025, which described the elections as being conducted in a “peaceful and orderly manner.” The King further lauded Malawians’ patience as they awaited the final result on 24 September, emphasising that the spirit of peace held firm in the post-election period.
In referencing the address by outgoing President Dr Lazarus Chakwera — who conceded in advance of the final announcement after acknowledging that his rival had secured an insurmountable lead — His Majesty the King hailed the gesture as a demonstration of respect for the constitution, for democratic norms, and for the will of the people.
In closing, the monarch urged all stakeholders to maintain peace, unity and respect for democratic institutions, not only in Malawi but across the Southern African region under the SADC umbrella.
How the 2025 Malawi Elections Unfolded
Electoral Framework & Context
According to local and international media outlets, which closely monitored the elections, this was the second election under Malawi’s revised two-round presidential threshold system (i.e. requiring an absolute majority). The backdrop to the 2025 poll was one of high public expectations: the electorate was discontent amid economic pressures, inflation, food and fuel shortages, and the lingering effects of recent extreme climate events.
Roughly 7.2 million voters were registered (about 65 % of eligible citizens), with women accounting for about 57 % of that figure. Participation was strong: turnout was reported at about 76.4 %. Seventeen candidates stood for the presidency, although the contest was widely perceived as a duel between incumbent Chakwera (Malawi Congress Party) and former President Peter Mutharika (Democratic Progressive Party). In parallel, all 193 seats of the National Assembly and local government positions were contested.
The Vote and Announcement
On 16 September, polling proceeded smoothly across Malawi’s districts, and SADC observers, led by SEOM Head of Mission Themba Masuku, confirmed an absence of major violence or disruption. Masuku was appointed by His Majesty the King to head the SADC observers.
Counting began immediately after polls closed, and by mid-24 September, preliminary indicators showed Mutharika in an unassailable lead. Before the final official result, President Chakwera addressed the nation to concede defeat, citing respect for the will of the people and the constitution. The full result was formally published on the evening of 24 September 2025.
Final Results & Outcomes
President (first round):
Peter Mutharika (DPP) secured 56.8 % of valid votes cast — thus avoiding a runoff.
Lazarus Chakwera (MCP) obtained about 33 % of the vote.
Other candidates such as Dalitso Kabambe of the UTM captured roughly 3.95 %, while other parties (UDF, PP, etc.) claimed smaller shares below 2 %. The winning margin represented a decisive victory, confirming the electorate’s desire for a change in direction.
Parliament & Local Government:
While full, district-by-district parliamentary results are still being parsed, initial reports suggest gains by the DPP in several key constituencies, altering the balance of power in the National Assembly somewhat in favour of the incoming president. Local government contests also saw competitive races, though electoral observers indicated that the process was transparent and largely free from serious dispute.
Complaints & Review:
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) confirmed it had received formal complaints from the MCP, UDF and UTM. These submissions were processed through MEC review procedures, with responses issued accordingly. There has been no credible challenge so far strong enough to threaten the declared results.
Reflections and Stakes Ahead
His Majesty the King’s praise for the election’s peacefulness and for Malawians’ patience carries symbolic weight: it positions the 2025 Malawi poll as a model for regional stability under SADC’s watch. The monarch’s reference to the role of SEOM and the importance of respect for constitutional processes underscores the evolving norms of democratic accountability in the region.
For Malawi, the change at the top presents both opportunity and risk. The incoming administration under Mutharika inherits deep economic challenges, widespread public dissatisfaction, and high expectations for rapid reforms. The tone set by the outgoing president in conceding defeat may help smooth the path for a credible transition, but the real test will come in governance and delivery.
For SADC and its member states, the successful conduct of this election will strengthen confidence in the bloc’s role in nurturing democratic processes. Should the new government in Malawi honour commitments to inclusive governance, anti-corruption and economic recovery, this election may well go down as a turning point — not just for Malawi, but for southern Africa as a whole.
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