Malawi: New President’s Inaugural Address
By Staff Writer
Malawi’s newly elected fifth president; Peter Mutharika said his government is aiming to look for new friends in east such as Russia and China, during his inauguration celebration on Monday June 2, at a stadium in Blantyre.
A law professor and former cabinet minister, Mutharika, 74, brother of Malawi's former leader Bingu wa Mutharika, was declared the winner of the country disputed presidential election on Friday May 30 after garnering 36.4 percent of the votes cast.
The opposition politician came ahead of Lazarus Chakwera who obtained 27.8 percent of the vote and outgoing president Joyce Banda who won 20.2 percent. Electoral commission Chief Maxon Mbendera declared Mutharika "president-elect" after last week's vote that Banda claimed was marred by "serious irregularities" and "null and void".
The election in the tiny and poor southern African nation was dogged by controversy from the start, with some polling stations opening 10 hours late and some voting stations recording more votes than there were registered voters.
At the inauguration, Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander, Henry Odillo presented the sword of authority to the President symbolizing the transfer of power. He later inspected a guard of honor mounted by the MDF and was treated to military displays.
In attendance were former President Bakili Muluzi and two former vice-presidents, Justine Malewezi and Khumbo Kachale, Botswana’s President Khama Ian Khama, Tanzania'S vice-president, Zimbabwe’s minister of foreign affairs and Mozambique’s minister of internal affairs among other representatives of different governments represented in Malawi.
Outgoing president, Joyce Banda, and Congress Party (MCP) President Lazarus Chakwera, who were thrashed at the disputed polls held on May 20, snubbed the ceremony.
Banda’s spokesperson said: “She was not officially invited and her official presidential convoy was withdrawn in the early hours of Saturday May 30 as soon as it was announced that Mutharika had won the presidency. “It would have been difficult for the outgoing president to travel to Blantyre.”
Mutharika expressed regret that President Bands declined to hand over the power to him, in his maiden inaugural address.
“I intend no revenging and vengeance. However, I took an oath to defend the constitution, and whoever broke it will face a full course of justice,” he said, listing some victimization cases he claimed to have suffered under Mrs. Banda.
He takes power in one of the world’s poorest countries where 40 per cent of the budget comes from aid, said their traditional western donor nations were “welcome to stay here.”
Foreign policy would be based on what is best for Malawi, he said.
“We will continue with traditional relationships, but we are now looking for new friends in emerging economies such as Brazil, China, India, South Africa and Russia.” Mr Mutharika said.