In brief
Five years after being ousted from power, Peter Mutharika has made an unexpected comeback as Malawi's president. This victory follows a tumultuous period for the nation, with soaring inflation and a series of natural disasters. Mutharika's return has raised hope for many but also questions about his capacity to lead at the age of 85. With a history of allegations and governance challenges, can he steer Malawi back on track?
Just five years after being dramatically unseated by a court ruling, Peter Mutharika is set to return to power as the president of Malawi. Mutharika, who held the top job from 2014 to 2020, seems to have triumphed in last week's general election, usurping his long-time rival, President Lazarus Chakwera. Mutharika told voters on the campaign trail that life was simply better under him - Malawi has experienced one of its worst ever economic downturns since Chakwera took office. But the record of 85-year-old Mutharika has its own blemishes, from corruption allegations to the debacle that ended his first presidency. This is the fourth time he has run for office, but initially, Mutharika did not intend to go into politics. Born in 1940 in the tea-growing region of Thyolo, he was raised by two teachers and developed a love for education. Mutharika ultimately pivoted to politics in 2004, when his older brother, Bingu, became Malawi's president. Mutharika was embroiled in a political struggle following Bingu's sudden death, which led to a power vacuum and ultimately, his controversial ascent to the presidency in 2014. After losing the presidency amid allegations of electoral fraud in 2019, Mutharika re-entered the race in 2025, claiming he was urged by supporters to save the country from what they viewed as a failing administration led by Chakwera. Despite his absence from many public appearances during the campaign, voters have placed their trust in him again, even in areas previously dominated by his rival. As he prepares to assume office once again, many Malawians are watching closely, hoping he can reverse the trend of rising poverty and inflation that has challenged the country in recent years.
