Voting is underway in Malawi’s elections, where citizens choose a president, lawmakers, and local leaders amidst significant economic challenges. President Lazarus Chakwera seeks a second term against 16 other candidates, including his main rival, former President Peter Mutharika, 85, whose 2019 win was annulled due to electoral fraud. Analysts predict a close race, particularly between Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party and Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party. Malawians face soaring inflation, critical fuel shortages, and recent agricultural disasters exacerbated food insecurity. Voter turnout has declined to 65%, a drop from 80% in 2019. Election law mandates a candidate must secure over 50% of the vote, likely leading to a runoff. This election, the first since the chaotic 2019 polls, is under scrutiny to ensure fairness. Malawi, a former British protectorate, has maintained a relatively peaceful democratic process since its 1994 multipartite elections. Results are expected within a week.
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