Failures that cost Malawi's Chakwera the presidency
Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera waits to vote in the country's general election at Malembo village, west of the capital, Lilongwe in Malawi on September 16, 2025.
Outgoing Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera was hoisted by his own petard, suffering a humiliating election defeat this week largely blamed on his perceived dismal performance in office.
President Chakwera had swept to power in 2020 on the back of promises that he would end poverty and fight corruption. Yet his tenure was characterised by a long-running economic crisis, high inflation, shortage of basic commodities, and international aid cuts.
