Lilongwe, Malawi – Outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat in the September 16 presidential election on Wednesday, saying he respects the will of the citizens and the constitution.
Chakwera addressed the nation, stating that preliminary results from 24 councils show Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party with a substantial lead, making him the presumptive winner. Chakwera personally called Mutharika to congratulate him on his victory and wished him well as Malawi’s seventh president.
The Malawi Electoral Commission is scheduled to announce the official results at 2 PM today. Chakwera said he accepts the results already released and will respect the final outcome.
He thanked Malawians for conducting themselves peacefully and lawfully throughout the elections. Chakwera expressed gratitude for the support he received during his campaign and acknowledged that the outcome may disappoint his supporters, but stressed it reflects the collective will of the people for a change in government.
Chakwera pledged a seamless and peaceful transfer of power, instructing his team to prepare state residences for the incoming president and to provide all necessary support to ensure continuity in public services, institutional functions, and constitutional governance.
He praised the Malawi Electoral Commission and its chair, Justice Anna Dumitru, for their management of the election, noting the Commission’s meticulous work in validating results and handling reported anomalies. Chakwera explained that while irregularities were noted, they do not undermine the credibility of the results. He also said political parties, including his own, had raised concerns, and the Commission will address these fully and transparently during its final briefing.
Chakwera urged all Malawians to support Mutharika and to continue contributing to the country’s development and democracy, whether as political parties, voters, or citizens. He committed to assisting in this collective effort and called on members of his party to prepare for rebuilding and future political engagement.
He concluded by thanking God and all citizens for the opportunity to serve for five years as Malawi’s sixth president and asked for continued unity to ensure national progress.
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