Malawi’s 2025 Elections: Chakwera and Mutharika Face Critical Running Mate Decisions

High-Stakes Political Dilemma Ahead of 2025 General Elections

As Malawi prepares for its crucial general elections on September 16, 2025, political heavyweights President Lazarus Chakwera (MCP) and former president Peter Mutharika (DPP) face a defining moment that could shape the nation’s leadership beyond 2030.

The Running Mate Conundrum

Both leaders, aged 70 and 84 respectively, approach constitutional term limits for party leadership. Chakwera, who assumed MCP leadership in 2013, and Mutharika, who took over DPP in 2012, must now make strategic running mate choices that serve dual purposes:

• Electoral advantage in the 50%+1 threshold system
• Party succession planning for 2030

Political Analysts Weigh In

Political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche emphasizes the gravity of the situation: “For MCP and DPP, the choice of running mate is a matter of life and death. These candidates must not only help win the election but be strong enough to lead the party post-2030.”

Complex Party Dynamics

The decision carries significant internal and external implications:

Historical Context and Future Projections

The 2019 annulled elections showed significant vote fragmentation:

• Mutharika: 38.57%
• Chakwera: 35.41%
• Chilima’s UTM: 20.24%

The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies predicts smaller parties like UTM and UDF could become kingmakers in a potential second-round scenario.

The Silent Campaign

Despite the high stakes, both major candidates remain tight-lipped about their running mate choices. Behind the scenes, reports suggest intense factional lobbying and concerns that a poor selection could:

• Cost the election
• Create party divisions
• Jeopardize future leadership prospects

The Road Ahead

With over 7.2 million registered voters, the 2025 election represents a critical juncture for Malawi’s political landscape. The running mate selections may prove more consequential than ever before, potentially determining both immediate electoral success and long-term party viability.

For more in-depth analysis, read the original article at Nyasa Times.