Former Malawian president Peter Mutharika, 85, has staged a dramatic political comeback after winning this month’s presidential election. The Electoral Commission declared him the victor with over 56 percent of the vote, defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, who secured 33 percent and conceded early to allow a peaceful transition. Mutharika, a former Washington law professor, previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, before losing a court-ordered rerun election. His return comes amid economic turmoil under Chakwera’s leadership, marked by inflation, fuel shortages, and rising debt. Supporters view his win as a hope for stability and lower living costs.
