Economic hardship dominates the campaign as voters prepare to choose.

Malawi holds its presidential election on Tuesday, with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera facing former president Peter Mutharika in a rematch of their nullified 2019 contest. The election occurs amid a severe economic crisis, with inflation rising from 8% to 27% under Chakwera’s leadership and critical shortages of fuel, sugar, and food following natural disasters. A new electoral law requires the winner to secure more than 50% of votes, making a runoff likely between the two main contenders among 17 candidates. Voters in the landlocked, agriculture-dependent nation prioritize economic relief, with some supporting Mutharika’s promise of “trusted leadership” despite questions about his age and past electoral controversies.

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https://apnews.com/article/malawi-election-chakwera-economy-poverty-40fbc483583fe1e11d7b0a3a2474348a