BLANTYRE (Reuters) -Malawi heads to the polls on Tuesday in an election pitting President Lazarus Chakwera against his predecessor Peter Mutharika, with sky-high inflation and fuel shortages likely to be at the top of voters’ minds.

Another 15 candidates including former president Joyce Banda are also contesting the presidency, but analysts expect a two-horse race between Chakwera, 70, and Mutharika, 85. If no one secures over 50% of the vote, there will be a second round.

Malawi has faced economic stagnation since former pastor Chakwera was elected in 2020, with a devastating cyclone and a regional drought wiping out crops and worsening hardship. Inflation has been over 20% for more than three years.

Corruption scandals have contributed to disillusionment with both major parties. Chakw

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