Malawi President Chakwera loses election to fmr President Mutharika, concedes defeat
The President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera who lost the just concluded presidential election in the country has conceded defeat.
He made the announcement on Wednesday in an address to the nation, hours before the election authority was due to announce the final results of the September 16 election, stating that his rival Peter Mutharika had an “insurmountable lead”.
Chakwera assumed office in 2020 after defeating the then-President Mutharika, a constitutional law expert from the Democratic Progressive Party who has now been reelected.
“A few minutes ago, I called Professor Mutharika to wish him well,” Chakwera said.
“It was clear that my rival Peter Mutharika has an insurmountable lead over me.
“This outcome is a reflection of your collective will to have a change of government, and so it is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution.
“In the days that remain, I want you to know that I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power,” Chakwera added.
He further remarked on his supporters perception from his decision to concede defeat. “I know that many of you who supported my campaign for reelection will be disappointed”, he noted.
The pre-election discourse in the small south African country was dominated by the economic decline that hit the nation, as critics accused Chakwera of mismanagement, indecisiveness, lackadaisical attitude towards corruption and failed job-creation promises.
Reports say that his tenure witnessed a drastic rise in the price of commodities, with inflation skyrocketing to 33 percent.
85-year old Peter Mutharika, who is currently the President-elect was previously Malawi President from 2014 to 2020.
