Mutharika Leads 2025 Presidential Race – IPOR Survey

Former President Peter Mutharika is leading the 2025 presidential race with 43 percent support from registered voters, according to a new national survey released by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR).

The survey findings, presented to journalists on Monday in Lilongwe, place incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera in second with 26 percent, while UTM’s Dalitso Kabambe garners just five percent. Former presidents Atupele Muluzi and Joyce Banda trail with two and one percent respectively.

The survey, conducted between July 6 and 20 across 27 districts, also reveals that 95 percent of registered voters say they are certain to vote in the September 16 polls.

“What is most striking is Peter Mutharika’s strong showing among young voters, with 50 percent of those aged 18 to 35 saying they support him; suggesting that concerns about his age may not be translating into lost support among the youth,” said Professor Michael Chasukwa, IPOR’s Director of Training and Research.

The report also indicates that 12 percent of voters remain undecided, while another six percent declined to disclose their preferred candidate.