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 of people queued outside polling stations on Tuesday to vote for a president, MPs, and local councillors, keenly hoping to effect change in a country swamped by economic troubles. Some are still voting in areas where polling started late.
In his campaign for a second term, current President Lazarus Chakwera pledged to fix Malawi's economy - as did his main rival, octogenarian former leader Peter Mutharika.
If no candidate wins more than half the votes, the top two contenders will head to a run-off.
There is anger in us. I want to change this government. I want young people to be in good jobs, said Ettah Nyasulu, 28, before heading out to vote.
Malawi has long been one of the poorest countries in the world, but recent times have been especially punishing. Food costs have been soaring, and wages have not kept pace.
As voters lined up on Tuesday, frustrated motorists continued to form long queues for petrol outside stations, a reminder of the broader economic distress gripping the nation.
Chakwera, who stood in line to vote near his home village, faces a critical electoral challenge from the man he defeated in the last election. The electoral commission has noted a moderate turnout, indicating public interest in shaping the country's future amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
Counting of votes began once the polls closed, with the Malawi Electoral Commission tasked to announce the results by the end of September.
