The southern African nation of Malawi has achieved another peaceful transfer of power with the inauguration of Peter Mutharika as president on May 31. Confirmed by the Malawi Electoral Commission as the winner of the May 20 election, he succeeds former President Joyce Banda, who congratulated Mr. Mutharika on his victory and urged all of her countrymen to give him their support.
Mrs. Banda, concerned about allegations of possible improprieties, had requested a recount, but Malawi’s High Court ordered release of the election results within the time limit prescribed by the country’s electoral law. The polling was plagued by logistical problems and followed by sporadic protests, but an observer mission from the Southern African Development Community declared the election generally free, peaceful and credible.
The United States congratulates President Mutharika and the new vice president, Saulos Chilima. We also congratulate the people for Malawi for actively and peacefully exercising their democratic rights. The peaceful transfer of power reflects the letter and spirit of their constitution.
Its economy once teetering on the brink of collapse and its relations strained with many in the international community, Malawi made important progress under Mrs. Banda as president. Economic growth remains a concern, and President Mutharika has pledged to make it one of his top priorities. The United States looks forward to continuing our close partnership with the government of Malawi in advance of our mutual interests of supporting the nation’s development.
Mrs. Banda, concerned about allegations of possible improprieties, had requested a recount, but Malawi’s High Court ordered release of the election results within the time limit prescribed by the country’s electoral law. The polling was plagued by logistical problems and followed by sporadic protests, but an observer mission from the Southern African Development Community declared the election generally free, peaceful and credible.
The United States congratulates President Mutharika and the new vice president, Saulos Chilima. We also congratulate the people for Malawi for actively and peacefully exercising their democratic rights. The peaceful transfer of power reflects the letter and spirit of their constitution.
Its economy once teetering on the brink of collapse and its relations strained with many in the international community, Malawi made important progress under Mrs. Banda as president. Economic growth remains a concern, and President Mutharika has pledged to make it one of his top priorities. The United States looks forward to continuing our close partnership with the government of Malawi in advance of our mutual interests of supporting the nation’s development.
