Malawians are waiting to find out who their next president will be as polls have closed in most parts of the country and counting has started.
Thousands queued outside polling stations on Tuesday, eager to vote amidst growing economic troubles. Some locations experienced late openings, extending voting hours for others.
In his campaign for a second term, President Lazarus Chakwera has pledged to address the country's economic woes, promising voters a brighter future. His main rival, Peter Mutharika, a former leader, has made similar commitments, making this election a tightly contested race.
If no candidate wins more than 50% of the votes, the leading two candidates will advance to a run-off.
Economic hardship looms large in voters' minds, with food prices rising and wages stagnant. Young voters, represented by individuals like Ettah Nyasulu, expressed frustration about employment opportunities and the dire state of the economy.
Malawi has been grappling with severe inflation rates and ongoing power and fuel shortages, further exacerbating public discontent. President Chakwera, a figure of hope for many, cast his vote in his home village, surrounded by supporters.
The turnout reflected the public's desire for change, with only around half of registered voters participating. As the counting of votes began, anticipation grew, as electoral officials reminded the public of regulations around voting privacy.
Election challenges included technical issues with biometric systems, but for the most part, the voting process ran smoothly, highlighting the resilience of Malawi's democratic engagement. The Malawi Electoral Commission is tasked with announcing presidential results by 24 September.
