Former Malawi President Peter Mutharika has been re-elected with 56.8% of the vote, defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, who received 33%.

Chakwera, 70, conceded, pledging a peaceful transfer of power.

The election was dominated by economic concerns, including soaring inflation, food shortages, and widespread poverty.

Mutharika, 85, previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, when he was credited with infrastructure improvements and lower inflation, though he faced criticism for cronyism, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Chakwera’s term saw economic stagnation and slow progress on corruption, factors analysts say influenced the outcome.