Malawi Holds Elections Amid Economic Crisis and Fuel Shortages

Strategic Insights -

Malawians are voting in elections to choose a president, lawmakers, and local government councillors, with the southern African country grappling with fuel shortages and a cost-of-living crisis. The election features the same two main candidates that faced off in the fraudulent 2019 vote, with President Lazarus Chakwera seeking a second term against former President Peter Mutharika, who is his strongest challenger. The Malawi Electoral Commission is under heavy scrutiny to ensure a free and fair election this time, amidst controversy surrounding Mutharika's choice of running mate, a former head of the electoral commission who was fiercely criticized for the failed 2019 vote.

Key Takeaways:

  • The election features the same two main candidates from the 2019 vote: President Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika.
  • Chakwera, a 70-year-old former theology instructor and preacher, is seeking a second five-year term as an economic crisis grips Malawi, one of Africa's poorer and least developed countries.
  • Mutharika, 85 years old, has a long history in Malawian politics and is running despite a court finding evidence of fraud in his 2019 victory.
  • There are 17 candidates in total standing for president, including Joyce Banda, who was Malawi's leader from 2012-2014.
  • The big issues in the election are Malawi's agriculture-based economy in deep trouble due to climate shocks and inflation rising from around 8% to 27% during Chakwera's term.
  • A critical shortage of fuel has resulted in long queues at gas stations, a common sight in the landlocked country of around 21 million people.
  • The election will be held on one day, and the results must be announced within a week of polls closing.
  • Malavis will vote for president, the makeup of the 229-seat Parliament (National Assembly), and for over 500 local government councillors.
  • The 50%+1 format will be used to decide the election winner, meaning the winner needs to get more than 50% of the vote.
  • Analysts see a strong likelihood that no one will get a majority in the first round of voting, forcing a likely runoff and yet another vote pitting Chakwera and Mutharika against each other.

Statistics:

  • 21 million people living in Malawi, a landlocked country wedged between Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • 17 candidates are standing for president in the election.
  • Inflation has risen from around 8% to 27% during Chakwera's term.
  • The staple corn is unaffordable for many in Malawi, with the country's agriculture-based economy in deep trouble.
  • Long queues at gas stations are a common sight in Malawi due to a critical shortage of fuel.

Sources:

  • AP news wire
  • AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa