Addis ababa: Arthur Peter Mutharika was sworn-in Saturday as Malawi’s seventh president following a landslide victory in the Sept. 16 general elections. The 85-year-old former law professor warned public officers and officials from his Democratic Progressive Party against ‘plundering the country’s resources for personal gains.’
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Mutharika emphasized that the era of corruption and mismanagement is over. He assured the public that his administration will take a firm stance against any form of corrupt practices. Mutharika expressed his commitment to restoring discipline and integrity across all sectors of the government.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Blantyre, featured military parades and traditional dances. Mutharika addressed the audience, emphasizing the need for transformation to lift Malawi from its current challenges. He outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at rebuilding the nation and urged citizens to join him in working towards economic prosperity.
Mutharika’s
political journey has been marked by challenges, including the nullification of his re-election victory in 2019 due to electoral irregularities. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined to lead Malawi towards a stable future. His previous tenure as president began in 2014 but faced a hurdle when Lazarus Chakwera won the 2020 court-mandated elections.
The inauguration was attended by Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, and representatives from other Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member countries. Former Malawian presidents Joyce Banda and Bakili Muluzi were also present at the event.
The recent elections saw participation from seven million eligible voters, who elected a new president, members of parliament, and councilors for the next five years. Seven candidates contested for the presidency, with Chakwera and Mutharika emerging as the main contenders in the competitive race.