Peter Mutharika's comeback has sparked fierce debate: is he Malawi's savior or a man entangled in controversy? Five years after a landmark court ruling forced him from office, the 85-year-old former professor is set to reclaim the presidency, defeating his longtime rival, Lazarus Chakwera. But this isn't the first time Mutharika has walked this path — and history may hold clues about whether this time will be different.
Mutharika’s campaign promises of improved living standards have drawn both praise and skepticism. While he claims Malawi’s economy has fared better under his leadership, critics point to persistent challenges like blackouts, food shortages, and corruption scandals that have plagued the country for decades. This is the fourth time the former justice minister has run for office, but his journey to politics began far from the spotlight.
Born in 1940 in the tea-growing region of Thyolo, Mutharika grew up in a family of educators. His parents’ emphasis on learning shaped his lifelong passion for education, which led him to study at seven universities across three continents. From Dedza Secondary School — a hub for future politicians — to Yale University in the U.S., Mutharika built a reputation as a scholar before turning to public service in 2004, when his brother Bingu became president.
Mutharika’s rise was relatively smooth, but tensions flared in 2010 when rumors surfaced about Bingu’s plans to name him as the DPP’s presidential candidate. A Malawian journalist later described the situation as a ‘monarchy-like’ power grab, highlighting public outrage over perceived nepotism. When Bingu died in 2012, the political landscape shifted dramatically. Banda, Bingu’s vice-president, eventually became Malawi’s first female president, despite clashes with her predecessor.
Mutharika faced treason charges after being accused of conspiring to hide Bingu’s death, but the accusations were dropped after he won the 2014 election with just over 36% of the vote. His first term saw economic improvements — including reduced inflation — but also deepening corruption scandals. In 2018, an anti-corruption agency accused him of accepting a kickback from a $1.6 million contract, though he was later cleared of wrongdoing.
The 2019 election, however, became a flashpoint. After winning initially, the Constitutional Court annulled the results, citing widespread tampering, including the use of Tipp-Ex correction fluid on ballots. The election was dubbed the ‘Tipp-Ex’ affair, a term that quickly became a symbol of the scandal. When the race was redone in 2020, Chakwera emerged victorious, but the court’s decision to uphold democracy earned international praise.
Despite this setback, Mutharika surprised many by running again, vowing to save Malawi from Chakwera’s policies. Now, at 85, he faces questions about his physical stamina and political resolve. Yet, voters seem confident in his ability to lead, even in areas traditionally loyal to Chakwera. His campaign speeches, delivered in the local Chichewa language, echoed a simple truth: ‘You miss me? You’ve suffered?’
While Mutharika’s personal life remains private, his career has been marked by high-stakes drama. Friends describe him as a studious man more comfortable with books than politics, but his legacy is tied to Malawi’s turbulent past. As the nation watches, one question looms large: Will Mutharika truly deliver on his promises, or will history repeat itself?
