On 16 September, Malawians voted for a new president amid a deep economic crisis marked by soaring inflation and fuel shortages. The country has faced prolonged economic stagnation since the last presidential election in 2020. The current race is a close contest between incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika, who have already faced each other three times. Under the voting system adopted after 2020, a candidate must secure more than 50% to win outright. Official results are expected within a week, though many anticipate a rerun.