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Reported By David Joshua | Sele Media Africa

The Professor Who Beat Fraud Allegations to Become Malawi’s President… Again

In a remarkable political comeback, Peter Mutharika, a former law professor, has reclaimed Malawi’s presidency at the age of 85, overcoming past corruption allegations to win the 2025 election. He succeeds Lazarus Chakwera, who conceded defeat hours before the final results. [1]

From Academia to Politics, and Controversies Along the Way

•⁠ ⁠Academic Roots: Mutharika’s journey began in academia. He served as a law professor and constitutional expert before entering Malawi’s political arena. [2]
•⁠ ⁠Allegations & Clearance: In 2018, Mutharika was accused of accepting a $200,000 kickback linked to a government food‑supply contract. He was cleared of those charges after a public outcry and political scrutiny. [3]
•⁠ ⁠Historic Election Battles: His first term (2014–2020) was marked by economic and governance challenges. In 2019, his re-election was annulled by Malawi’s courts due to irregularities; a rerun followed in 2020, which he lost to Chakwera. [4]

The 2025 Return

•⁠ ⁠Mutharika secured approximately 56–57% of the vote, while Chakwera received around 33%. [1] •⁠ ⁠Chakwera conceded the race before official results were declared, citing respect for the democratic process and the will of Malawians. [5]
•⁠ ⁠His victory is being seen as a test of Malawi’s democratic resilience and the capacity to overcome past political scandals.

David Joshua Oliver

Oliver David Joshua is a seasoned media professional with a passion for impactful journalism and strategic leadership. Known for his sharp editorial eye and commitment to excellence, Oliver plays a key role in shaping the voice of Sele Media Africa across the continent. His leadership continues to drive innovation, credibility, and growth in Africa’s digital media space.