Several civil society organisations (CSOs) have congratulated Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Peter Mutharika for winning the September 16 Presidential Election.
The CSOs include Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (Cseif), National Advocacy Platform (NAP), Youth and Society (YAS) and the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC).
However, the CSOs have also outlined expectations from Mutharika, who is making a comeback after being ousted in the June 2020 court-sanctioned fresh presidential election that followed annulment of his 2019 victory over irregularities.
In a statement issued yesterday, NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said Mutharika’s election is testament to the sovereign will of Malawians.
He said: “We urge the President-elect to lead with humility, inclusivity, and courage, uniting Malawians across political, regional, and social divides.
“Leadership at this moment must focus on healing divisions, strengthening democratic institutions and delivering on the urgent priorities of economic recovery, youth empowerment and protection of the vulnerable.”
NAP also applauded outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera for conceding defeat, saying he has preserved peace, reinforced democratic culture and set a noble example for future leaders to emulate.
On his part, YAS executive director Charles Kajoloweka said Mutharika’s victory was a renewed mandate from Malawians, a sacred second chance to lead with wisdom, humility and a steadfast commitment to the common good.
He said: “The memory of the first term lingers. It was a period burdened by nepotism, cronyism, political intimidation, attacks on human rights defenders, and the scourge of corruption, challenges that strained public trust and dimmed the promise of accountable leadership.”
The Cseif team, led by Kondowe, Gift Trapence and Desmond Mhango, addressed the press in Lilongwe where they said although there were some challenges, MEC navigated them transparently and within the law.
Trapence, who is Cseif vice-chairperson, urged Mutharika to lead with humility, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to unite the nation beyond party, tribal and regional lines.
He said: “The presidency belongs not to one party but to all Malawians, and the President-elect has repeatedly affirmed during the campaign his pledge to serve every citizen equally.”
Malawians went to the polls on September 16 2025 to elect a president, members of Parliament and ward councillors
