France, Sept. 16 -- Some 7.2 million Malawians cast ballots today, Tuesday, in a presidential election dominated by economic concerns, with former president Peter Mutharika leading polls against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera in what could require a runoff if no candidate achieves the required 50 percent threshold.

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...