Storyline More than 7.2 million Malawians went to the polls on Tuesday in a tightly contested general election, casting ballots for the presidency, 229 parliamentary seats, and 509 local council positions. The vote featured 17 presidential contenders, including incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, former presidents Peter Mutharika and Joyce Banda, and other prominent figures such as Vice President Michael Usi, United Transformation Movement’s Dalitso Kabambe, and Atupele Muluzi, son of former President Bakili Muluzi. Polling stations opened at 06:00 and closed at 16:00 local time, with long queues reported nationwide as voters turned out in large numbers to choose new leadership across all levels of government. Chakwera, who leads the ruling Malawi Congress Party, and Mutharika, head of the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party, are widely seen as the frontrunners in a race defined by deep political rivalry and competing visions for the country’s future. As polls closed, ballot counting began immediately, with first-round results expected within eight days. The vote followed a dramatic political move on Monday evening, when President Chakwera dissolved his cabinet just hours before the election, centralizing ministerial responsibilities under his office. Widely viewed as a pivotal moment for Malawi, the election drew high voter turnout, especially among young voters, reflecting growing public demand for change and accountability. "Most of the people think that to vote is for elderly people, it's for our parents. But no, this vote is for our young people, for our youth and we have to vote to change these things that are happening. One vote can change everything," said Brenda Mwechumu, Lilongwe resident. Malawi Electoral Commission officials monitored the elections closely, ensuring procedures were followed across thousands of polling centers. The nation now waits with anticipation for the results, hoping that the newly elected administration can deliver on promises of economic reform and improved standards of living. "I'm looking forward to an improved livelihood after this election. I hope our future is going to be better, compared to how things are at the moment," said Thom Dalikeni, Lilongwe resident. Shotlist: Lilongwe, Malawi - Sept 16, 2025: 1. Various of incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, his wife, arriving at polling station 2. Mother carrying her baby to cast her vote at polling station, other voters 3. Former president Peter Mutharika at polling station 4. Voters waving flags of Democratic Progressive Party of Malawi 5. Presidential candidate campaign poster 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Brenda Mwechumu, Lilongwe resident: "Most of the people think that to vote is for elderly people, it's for our parents. But no, this vote is for our young people, for our youth and we have to vote to change these things that are happening. One vote can change everything." 7. Various of Mutharika casting his vote 8. Various of voters casting ballots 9. Poster of Chakwera 10. SOUNDBITE (Chichewa, dubbed in English) Thom Dalikeni, Lilongwe resident: "I'm looking forward to an improved livelihood after this election. I hope our future is going to be better, compared to how things are at the moment." 11. Officials from European Union Election Observation Mission Malawi 2025 at press conference 12. Campaign poster featuring candidates 13. Various of supporters of Chakwera. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]