The queue to get fuel rather than the queue to vote is what is on the mind of many Malawians as Tuesday's general election approaches.
Prolonged petrol shortages, along with regular power cuts, the rising cost of living, hunger, poverty, inequality and youth unemployment, add to the tangible frustration here.
The presidential, parliamentary and local council candidates are competing for votes against a background of cynicism about what might actually change.
In a sign that money is tight, electioneering has been somewhat muted compared to the past. This is despite the presidential race being seen as a rematch between the incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera, and the man he beat in 2020, then-President Peter Mutharika.
There are 15 other candidates.
