Peter Mutharika's Unlikely Political Resurrection in Malawi

Sun Oct 19 2025 23:28:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After being ousted and facing numerous challenges, Peter Mutharika returns to power in Malawi amid economic struggles and political intrigue.

Five years after being removed from power by a court ruling, Peter Mutharika has made a surprising political comeback in Malawi, winning the general election against President Lazarus Chakwera. Mutharika's return has raised questions about his health and his ability to address the country's economic crisis, with inflation exceeding 30% and widespread poverty affecting many citizens. As he embarks on his second presidency, Mutharika faces not only the hopes of his supporters but also the burdens of previous allegations and current challenges.

Just five years after being dramatically unseated by a court ruling, Peter Mutharika is set to return to power as the president of Malawi.

Mutharika, who held the top job from 2014 to 2020, seems to have triumphed in last week's general election, usurping his long-time rival, President Lazarus Chakwera.

Mutharika told voters on the campaign trail that life was simply better under him - Malawi has experienced one of its worst ever economic downturns since Chakwera took office.

But the record of 85-year-old Mutharika has its own blemishes, from corruption allegations to the debacle that ended his first presidency. This is the fourth time he has run for office, but initially, Mutharika did not intend to go into politics.

Born in 1940 in the tea-growing region of Thyolo, Mutharika developed a love for education, attending Dedza Secondary School and later studying law at Yale University in the 1960s. He became a professor before pivoting to politics as an adviser to his late brother Bingu, who was president from 2004 until his death in 2012.

Mutharika's rise to power was mired in challenges, including accusations of treason related to the power struggle following Bingu's death. He was charged but cleared after winning the presidency in 2014.

During his first term, he managed to reduce inflation and secured foreign loans to improve infrastructure, though his leadership was marred by corruption and economic issues.

Having lost the presidency in 2020 following a controversial election annulment, Mutharika's comeback was unexpected. His campaign revealed the significant hardships faced by Malawians, amplifying his message of being the savior the nation requires amid economic turmoil.

His unprecedented victory, winning even in traditional strongholds of Chakwera, raises questions about his health and readiness to lead at such an advanced age. With supporters hopeful, Mutharika's return presents both challenges and potential for a nation seeking stability.