Lessons From Lilongwe: What Zambia Can Learn from Malawi’s 2025 Election

By Wengo Kaluba

Malawi held a general election on 16 September, 2025, with President Lazarus Chakwera under immense pressure. It’s been a tough decade for incumbents globally, as voters across the globe have voted decidedly for a change of direction in both developed and developing nations.

This can be widely attributed to the double economic shocks presented by the COVID—19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Global inflation rose to levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis, and if you look at most Presidential terms and elections, these economic factors presented voters with what seems like a simple choice: continue down the same path, change direction, or even in the case of Malawi, go back to what you know.

Of course, no two nations are the same.

In the US, Donald Trump bounced back arguably due to Democrats’ indecision regarding their candidate.

In the UK, the Conservative Party – who ruled for over a decade – was marred with scandals, allowing a Labour Party victory in 2024.

Closer to home, South Africa’s ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994.

In Botswana, the long-ruling BDP— in power since independence in 1966, was finally unseated in 2024. And in Zambia, the Patriotic Front (PF) ended its decade-long rule in 2021, when Hakainde Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND) won power on a platform of economic reform and a pledge to fight corruption.

Ultimately, the latest casualty of this regional anti-incumbent wave is Lazarus Chakwera, who was decisively defeated by former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Mutharika secured just under 57% of the total vote — a commanding return for the 85-year-old leader whose supporters describe the outcome as “a return to proven leadership”.

As a neighbouring country and close ally, Zambia has much to reflect on as we approach our own elections in 2026. Having spent time on the ground observing Malawi’s vote closely, several key lessons emerge:

The Electoral Commission Faces a Huge Task

Elections across the continent are marred by corruption, disorderly conduct from parties and candidates from both ruling and opposition parties alike. During these periods, the eyes of the nation are all on one institution; the electoral commission in charge of overseeing results. This can be an extremely tense position depending on the nature of the election taking place, and in some cases, even dangerous. But it is the job of the respective commission of that country to carry out the will of the people without interference or influence.

In Malawi, Judge Annabel Mtalimanja, under pressure from both the ruling and opposition parties remained calm in demeanor and approach while delivering the results that ultimately saw Mutharika re-elected to Malawi’s highest office.

While there were numerous formal complaints, quarantined results, and several delays in announcing the final outcome, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) upheld its constitutional duty to declare results within one week of voting. By the time of the Commission’s final announcement, President Chakwera and several other candidates had already conceded defeat, recognising that there was little value in contesting or obstructing the inevitable outcome. Having himself benefited from a court-overturned election in the infamous “Tippex Election” of 2019, Chakwera opted to stand down gracefully and support a peaceful transition of power.

It is worth recalling that Malawi’s 2019 election was annulled only after opposition parties presented overwhelming evidence of electoral malpractice before the courts. The judiciary’s ruling paved the way for a rerun the following year, in which Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) emerged victorious. Ironically, during the disputed “Tippex Election,” the MEC was chaired by Jane Ansah, SC, now serving as Vice President.

The key lesson for Zambia ahead of the 2026 elections is to uphold confidence in the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) while maintaining vigilant oversight against malpractice. The Commission carries the solemn duty of safeguarding the people’s will, a responsibility that must never be taken lightly. Zambia’s consistent record of peaceful and credible elections should be preserved and strengthened through continued transparency and accountability.

It’s Time to Let Some Names Go

In Malawi, this election saw Lazarus Chakwera face not one but two former presidents, Joyce Banda and his eventual successor, Arthur Peter Mutharika.

It was a fascinating political contest, a kind of electoral déjà vu. Their campaigns told a metaphorical tale of two cities: one where a former president managed to “bounce back” from electoral defeat, and another who struggled to secure even 100,000 votes nationwide.

Beyond their shared experience in the highest office, another factor connects the two candidates, their age. Though a decade apart, Banda (75) and Mutharika (85) both sought to lead a nation whose median age is just 18.1. This is not to dismiss experience or wisdom in leadership, but it highlights a growing generational disconnect. Many young voters are weary of familiar names and the sense of dynastic politics that often comes with them.

This fatigue isn’t limited to individuals; it extends to parties as well. Atupele Muluzi of the United Democratic Front (UDF) ran a spirited campaign, especially among young people. Yet for some voters, his association with the party that ruled from 1994 to 2004 was a dealbreaker, a great driver, as some put it, with a tired vehicle. Similarly, the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), once Malawi’s second-most popular party, may have regained some relevance only because of its alliance with Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Often, it’s not just the candidate who needs repositioning, but the political vehicle itself.

In Zambia, too, we see the same familiar faces returning to the stage. It would be refreshing to see new names and new energy injected into the political landscape. The emergence of figures such as Dolika Banda, whose entry into politics generated significant online attention — especially as a woman — points to the appetite for change and inclusion among voters.

Voters Are People, Not Numbers

Former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev once remarked, “Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges even when there are no rivers.” He would know — and his words still ring true across the world today.

During the 2019/20 campaign, Chakwera charmed voters with promises focused on the economy — the issue that mattered most to them. Yet under his watch, that same economy deteriorated to historic lows. Widespread corruption, political patronage, global inflation, and the loss of trust from the international donor community — on which Malawi depended heavily — all eroded confidence in his administration.

While Chakwera did deliver on infrastructure, there’s a popular saying in African politics: “People can’t eat roads.” The same lesson applies to Zambia’s former Patriotic Front (PF) government under Edgar Lungu. Flyover bridges, airports, and stadiums may look impressive, but when citizens face rising food prices or power outages, they quickly forget the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Another key observation from Malawi’s election was its voter demographics. Of the 7.2 million registered voters, more than 55% were women — most of them under 35. Yet an octogenarian, backed by youthful supporters, convinced many that he was the best hope for their future. His running mate, Jane Ansah, likely played a role in appealing to women voters.

Regional dynamics also shaped the outcome. The Northern Region, which has the fewest registered voters and often feels neglected, saw through Chakwera’s last-minute charm offensive. The DPP’s alliance with AFORD — a historically strong party in the North — proved strategic, boosting Mutharika’s chances there.

The key takeaway for Zambia is clear, voters are not statistics, they are people. When leaders neglect their real needs, the consequences are felt at the ballot box. Understanding who voters are, where they come from, what they value, and what issues matter to them, is essential for any party hoping to earn lasting trust.

No One Can Afford Complacency

The ultimate lesson from Lilongwe is clear: no one can afford to be complacent, not the ruling party, not the opposition, not the electoral commission, and certainly not the electorate. Nothing in politics is guaranteed, as recent events across the region have shown.

While there may be no immediate or consolidated threat to President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, the ruling party cannot take public confidence for granted. The 2026 elections could mirror South Africa’s experience, where the African National Congress retained overall power but lost its parliamentary majority. A similar shift in Zambia could reshape the balance of influence even if the UPND remains in government.

The opposition, too, must not rest. They need to clearly communicate what they would do differently, and how. Simply criticising the government is not enough, Zambians deserve credible alternatives and practical solutions.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), which has already begun its voter registration campaign, faces a monumental task next year to ensure the process remains transparent, efficient, and inclusive.

That leaves the electorate, the people at the heart of it all. Zambians must weigh their choices carefully and collectively decide what kind of leadership and future they want for the nation. Once that decision is made, it is the duty of all political leaders to respect and uphold it.

These lessons apply across the spectrum, to voters, candidates, political parties, and the electoral commission alike. Zambia has long enjoyed a reputation as a peaceful and democratic nation. As we move towards August 2026, it is vital that we protect that legacy and strengthen it.

Source: World Bank – Inflation rate: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG

Anti-incumbency wave: https://youtu.be/YP13kLjSGdA?si=O9lAG1Efpe2CJQIm