Voters in Malawi went to the polls today in a national election where they will choose a president, members of parliament, and local government leadersp, in a high-stakes rematch between President Lazarus Chakwera and his predecessor, Peter Mutharika.

The election marks the first nationwide poll since the historic 2020 rerun that saw Chakwera unseat Mutharika after a court nullified the 2019 vote due to widespread irregularities, including the use of correctional fluid on vote tally sheets.

That ruling prompted a new electoral law requiring a candidate to win more than 50% of the vote

The national mood, which was initially optimistic following Chakwera’s 2020 victory, has soured as Malawi struggles with a deepening economic crisis.

Voters are facing soaring inflation, currently at 27%, and critical shortages of fuel and sugar, with long lines at gas stations a common sight.

The economic turmoil has been compounded by recent natural disasters, including Cyclone Freddy in 2023 and a subsequent El Niño-inspired drought that devastated crops and worsened food insecurity.

Mutharika, who served as president from 2014-2020, is seeking a return to power despite the findings of fraud in his last election.

The 85-year-old has a long history in Malawian politics, having also served in the cabinet of his late brother, Bingu wa Mutharika.