MALAWI: UTM’s Kabambe, PP’s Joyce Banda, PDP’s Frank Mwenifumbo and Kondwani Nankhumwa Concede Defeat, Calls For Peace After Elections

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The President of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), Dr Dalitso Kabambe, has congratulated Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika for his performance in the presidential election held on September 16, effectively conceding defeat.

In a statement released last night, Dr Kabambe said it is important to respect the will of the people and urged all political stakeholders to ensure that peace and stability continue as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) finalises and announces the official results.

Dr Kabambe further appealed to Mutharika to ensure that his administration serves the interests of all Malawians. “This is a time for unity. The choice of the people must be respected, and government must work for everyone regardless of political or regional affiliation,” Kabambe said.

Meanwhile, former President Dr Joyce Banda, who leads the People’s Party (PP), has also issued a statement conceding defeat while urging calm during this period of transition. She congratulated the eventual winner in advance and pleaded with losing candidates to accept the outcome without resorting to violence.

“Malawi remains one nation with or without elections, and for this reason, we must avoid violence and respect the choice of the people,” Banda emphasised. She added that she would officially address the nation once MEC announces the final results, reiterating her call for unity and peace.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Frank Mwenifumbo has also accepted the outcome of the election, saying his party will respect the will of the Malawian people. He appealed for restraint and maturity among party supporters, warning that violence could derail the progress the nation has made. “Elections come and go, but Malawi remains. We must all commit to safeguarding our democracy and national peace,” he said.

On his part, politician Kondwani Nankhumwa also conceded defeat, urging his supporters to remain calm and united. “Our duty is to preserve peace and stability. Let us show the world that Malawi can handle elections with dignity and respect for one another,” Nankhumwa remarked.

As MEC prepares to declare the official winner, the collective decision by UTM, PP, PDP, and Kondwani Nankhumwa’s camp to accept the results underscores the growing calls for peace, acceptance, and national unity across the political divide.