LILONGWE — Dalitso Kabambe, the UTM Party’s presidential candidate, has conceded defeat in Malawi’s general election and congratulated former president Peter Mutharika on what appears to be a decisive victory.
In a statement released late on Monday, Kabambe acknowledged unofficial results showing Mutharika in the lead. He said the outcome reflected the will of Malawians and urged respect for the democratic process.
“I wish to extend my sincere congratulations on your electoral victory,” Kabambe said. “The democratic process has spoken, and the will of the Malawian people has to be respected and upheld.”
The concession makes Kabambe one of several candidates to bow out, joining former president Joyce Banda of the People’s Party, Kondwani Nankhumwa of the People’s Development Party, and independents Smart Swira, Adil James Chilungo and Thokozani Manyika Banda. In total, 17 candidates were on the ballot.
Kabambe appealed to Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party supporters to celebrate peacefully and called on all stakeholders to prioritise unity. “Peace, unity, and collective development must remain at the heart of our democracy,” he said.
The Malawi Electoral Commission has yet to release final results, but tallies from 13 of the 36 local government councils place Mutharika comfortably ahead.
Kabambe, who took over UTM leadership after the death of former vice-president Saulos Chilima in a military plane crash last June, urged Mutharika to order an independent inquiry into the tragedy. “Chilima’s death remains a matter of deep national concern,” he said.
Kabambe rose to party leadership in November 2024 after defeating Mathews Mtumbuka, former secretary general Patricia Kaliati, and co-founder Newton Kambala in the UTM convention. His concession marks the latest chapter in a closely watched election that has tested Malawi’s political stability.
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