Malawi‘s Peter Mutharika Returns to Power Amidst Economic Hardship
Lilongwe, Malawi – Peter Mutharika has secured a surprising victory in Malawi’s recent presidential election, setting teh stage for his return to office nearly three years after leaving the post.The win, confirmed following a court-ordered rerun, places the 81-year-old back at the helm of a nation grappling with meaningful economic challenges and widespread public discontent.
Mutharika previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, a period marked by both progress initiatives and accusations of corruption. His initial ascent to the presidency followed the death of his brother, Bingu wa Mutharika, in 2012 while serving as president. He then won a full term in 2014. This latest comeback follows a 2020 election result that was annulled by the Constitutional Court due to irregularities. The court mandated a fresh election, ultimately leading to Mutharika’s renewed mandate. He married Gertrude Maseko,a former parliamentarian for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP),in June 2014,following the death of his first wife,Christophine,in 1990.
The nation now anticipates whether Mutharika can deliver on promises to alleviate the suffering of many Malawians, a theme central to his campaign. Malawi faces a confluence of crises, including rising inflation, food insecurity, and a devalued currency. Mutharika has pledged to restore economic stability and improve living conditions, but the scale of the task is considerable. He and Maseko are expected to reside at the presidential residence as he addresses these pressing issues.
