France, Sept. 16 -- Some 7.2 million Malawians cast ballots on Tuesday in a presidential election dominated by economic concerns, with former president Peter Mutharika leading the polls against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera.

In Manje township, Blantyre, the presence of political parties is visible everywhere - flags flutter from electrical poles and trees along the roads.

As one of Malawi's most densely populated townships, Manje has become a hotspot for rallies and campaign visits over the past two months, with voters now heading to polling stations as the country decides its future leadership. Economy in crisis

Seventeen candidates are contesting the presidency, but the race has centered on Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party ...