Skyrocketing Inflation, Fuel Shortages to Decide Malawi Vote

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera faces an uphill battle to secure another term in Tuesday’s elections, with his popularity dented by spiraling living costs, fuel shortages and shrinking foreign-exchange reserves.

His main rival is Peter Mutharika, who he beat five years ago in a court-ordered rerun of a vote that was marred by violence and widespread rigging allegations. A poll conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion and Research last month showed Mutharika garnering 41% support, the most of the 15 contenders, and Chakwera in second place with 31%. Others in the running include ex-President Joyce Banda and Dalitso Kabambe, a former central bank governor.