Polls open in Malawai presidential election

16 September, 2025

Voters queue at the Civic Centre polling station in the capital Lilongwe for Malawi’s presidential and parliamentary elections on 16 September 2025 (Photo: Amos Gumulira/AFP)

Polls have opened in Malawi as voters head to the polls for the presidential election on 16 September. The incumbent president and his predecessor are competing for a second term in a closely contested race.

The southern African nation is facing an economic crisis marked by soaring costs, severe fuel shortages, and widespread poverty. Polls opened at 6:00 am (04:00 GMT) on Tuesday, with 17 candidates on the ballot. A run-off is widely expected if no candidate secures a majority.

Isaac Lukando reports.