The 2014 elections returned a fragmented parliament with no party securing an outright majority in the 193-member National Assembly. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), now led by Mr. Peter Mutharika (younger brother of the late President Bingu wa Mutharika), remained the largest party with 50 seats, significantly less than the 113 that it had taken in 2009. The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by former cleric Lazurus Chakwera, followed with 48 seats, up from 27. The People's Party (PP) took 26 seats. The PP was formed in 2011 by the then Vice President Joyce Banda, after she left the DPP. Ms. Banda subsequently became the country's first female President in 2012, following the death of President Mutharika. A record 52 independent candidates were elected, up from 33.

During the election campaign, the major parties ran on a similar platform, promising poverty alleviation, improved agriculture, better education, health services and employment. President Banda underscored that her government had addressed fuel shortages and high inflation, which she said were inherited from the previous DPP-led administration. Opposition forces criticized the President for mishandling the so-called "Cashgate" scandal, which resulted in the suspension of foreign aid for the fiscal year 2013-2014. DPP leader Mutharika referred to his brother's achievements as President. The MCP, which had led Malawi to independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, promised to restore decency, hope, prosperity and development.

Three elections took place on 24 May, for the President, parliament and local councils. Due to logistical problems, some polling stations opened 10 hours later than scheduled, triggering riots. The Election Commission announced that the number of votes cast in several polling stations exceeded the number of registered voters. On 24 May, President Banda ordered fresh parliamentary and presidential elections be held within 90 days, citing "rampant irregularities". She stated that she would no longer be a presidential candidate. The High Court issued an injunction later the same day, stopping President Banda from interfering with the vote. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer mission, while noting some shortcomings, declared the elections were "free, peaceful and credible".

The Election Commission declared that Mr. Peter Mutharika (DPP) had won the presidential elections. The latter was sworn in as President on 31 May.