Malawi Re-elects President to Second Term
By Heather Konjura
May 28, 2009

On Friday, May 22, 2009, President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi was sworn in to a second five-year term after a landslide election victory.  According to Reuters, the Electoral Commission confirmed that Mr. Mutharika received 2.7 million votes, while his closest rival, John Tembo, had 1.2 million votes.

President Bingu wa Mutharika has won praise from Western donors for his sound economic policies and for helping to revitalize the farming industry in Malawi.  During his second-term, Mr. Mutharika plans to continue his efforts to end corruption.  The Associated Press writes that during his Inauguration speech, President Mutharika stated, "I shall continue to fight corruption because it is evil. Corruption…robs the poor and denies their legitimate right to development."  He also vowed to continue reforming policies that have overhauled the economy and help the nation of peasant farmers become self-sufficient in food. 

In 2004, at the end of his second term, former President Bakili Muluzi endorsed Bingu wa Mutharika as his successor.  Mr. Mutharika, former World Bank official, won the presidential election and nine months after taking office accused his predecessor of trying to block an anti-corruption drive.  The two men have been entangled in conflict for years, which has led to rioting, a failed impeachment bid, paralysis in parliament, and accusations of coup and assassination plots.   

The Associated Press writes that Mr. Muluzi, Malawi’s first democratically elected president, recently challenged the constitution as he sought to run for president for a third term.  Malawi's constitutional court ruled that he could not compete in the election, as he already served the maximum two five-year terms allowed under the constitution.  After the courts ruling, Mr. Muluzi endorsed John Tembo.  Upon President Mutharika’s victory, Mr. Muluzi extended an olive branch, offered his support, and later attended his Inauguration.

The Associated Press writes that Malawi, a nation of approximately 12 million people, is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet it has enjoyed relative peace and stability over the past decade and is seen as one of Africa's more promising democracies.

References:

The Associated Press – Court rules out ex-Malawi president for election

The Associated Press – Malawi elections latest round in political feud

Reuters – Malawi: President Is Re-elected as Opposition Questions Results

The Associated Press – Malawi inaugurates president for second term

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