UTM Party presidential candidate Dalitso Kabambe has conceded defeat in the September 16 2025 General Elections presidential race and extended his congratulations to former president Peter Mutharika on his projected electoral victory.
In a statement issued last night, Kabambe said the unofficial results were a reflection of the will of Malawians, stressing that a peaceful transfer of power would be a true testament to the country’s democratic maturity and resilience.
“I wish to extend my sincere congratulations on your electoral victory. The democratic process has spoken, and the will of the Malawian people has to be respected and upheld,” he said.
Kabambe has joined former president Joyce Banda of People’s Party, Kondwani Nankhumwa of People’s Development Party as well as independents Smart Swira, Adil James Chilungo and Thokozani Manyika Banda who have conceded defeat. There were 17 presidential candidates in the race.
The UTM Party leader, who urged Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters to celebrate peacefully, appealed to all electoral stakeholders to remain committed to peace, unity and collective development.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is yet to announce full results, but results determined in 13 of the 36 local government councils last night put Mutharika ahead.
Kabambe succeeded former vice-president Saulos Chilima who died in a military plane crash alongside eight others on June 10 2024 and has since asked Mutharika to conduct a thorough and independent inquiry into the tragic death of his predecessor.
He described Chilima’s passing as a matter of deep national concern.
During the UTM Party convention last November, Kabambe, who joined the party from DPP, defeated his running mate Mathews Mtumbuka, former secretary general Patricia Kaliati and one of the founders Newton Kambala.
