Peter Mutharika Sworn In for Second Term as Malawi’s President

Peter Mutharika was sworn in for a second term as Malawi’s president after winning the September 16, 2025 election with 56.8% of the vote against Lazarus Chakwera’s 33%. In his inaugural speech, he vowed to end corruption and restore integrity in public service, warning against misuse of state resources. The ceremony in Lilongwe, presided over by Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, was attended by African leaders and dignitaries from across the region.

Thousands of Malawians filled the streets with cheers and celebration as Peter Mutharika was sworn in for a second term as president during an elaborate ceremony in Lilongwe, the capital, following the conclusion of last month’s hotly contested elections. The event marked a dramatic return for Mutharika, who previously governed as Malawi’s fifth president between 2014 and 2020 before being unseated. His comeback was sealed on September 16, 2025, when he emerged victorious in the presidential polls.

A respected professor of law, Mutharika secured a commanding 3 million votes, representing 56.8% of the electorate, defeating his main challenger, Lazarus Chakwera, who received nearly 1.8 million votes, amounting to 33%. The margin underscored Mutharika’s strong support base and affirmed his political resilience five years after his earlier tenure in office.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Mutharika took the oath of office as the seventh president of Malawi, while Jane Ansah was inaugurated as vice-president. The solemn proceedings were presided over by Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda and held at Kamuzu Stadium, which was packed with jubilant citizens, dignitaries, and political leaders.

In his inaugural address, Mutharika set a tough tone, declaring that the “honeymoon of plundering government resources is over.” He pledged to restore discipline, efficiency, and integrity within Malawi’s public service, signaling a clampdown on corruption and mismanagement. He also emphasized the importance of national unity, stressing that the country belongs equally to all its citizens regardless of political affiliation, cultural identity, or religious belief. With a stern warning, he said, “Malawi belongs to all of us, regardless of political, cultural, or religious background. So, if anyone acts to the contrary, I will go after him or her. Never say I never warned you.”

The inauguration was attended by several African leaders and high-ranking officials, adding to the sense of occasion. Among those present were Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, along with ministers representing Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their presence highlighted Malawi’s continued importance in regional politics and the support Mutharika enjoys among neighboring states.