Malawi’s President, Lazarus Chakwera, has conceded defeat in last week’s election, acknowledging that his predecessor, Peter Mutharika, holds an unassailable lead.
In a national address, Chakwera said he had called Mutharika to offer congratulations and assured Malawians of a peaceful transfer of power.
Although final results are yet to be declared, the concession follows a High Court ruling that dismissed Chakwera’s party’s attempt to delay the tally over alleged irregularities.
Chakwera, 70, came to power in 2020 after defeating Mutharika, 85. His administration has since battled economic headwinds, including soaring food and fertiliser prices and inflation at 33 percent.
