Malawi’s President-elect Peter Mutharika takes oath for a second term at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on May 28, 2019, following a disputed election marked by fraud allegations. AMOS GUMULIRA/AFP via Getty Images
The ceremony was held at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, drawing thousands of supporters in the blue and white colors of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as well as regional leaders and foreign dignitaries.
Peter Mutharika vows to end corruption
In his inaugural speech, Mutharika said his new administration would inherit “a nation in deep financial distress” and declared that widespread graft had drained government coffers.
“There is no money in government,” he said. “Borrowing is extremely high, and nobody knows where the borrowed money has gone.”
He vowed to take difficult measures to restore fiscal stability, promising citizens “hard work, tough and painful decisions.”
“The honeymoon of looting government is over,” Mutharika said to applause from the stadium crowd.
Malawi’s economy has struggled with high inflation, currency depreciation, and food shortages worsened by drought, according to the World Bank.
Blantyre inauguration draws regional attention
Leaders from neighboring countries including Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique attended the inauguration, reaffirming diplomatic ties with Lilongwe’s new administration.
Regional observers described the ceremony as one of the country’s most attended political events since the country’s return to multi-party democracy in 1994.
Mutharika took the oath of office from Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda, pledging to uphold Malawi’s constitution and serve “without fear or favor.”
Following his swearing-in, military salutes and traditional dances celebrated the event as citizens cheered from the terraces.
Economic crisis and public expectations
Analysts say Mutharika faces a daunting task in restoring public confidence after years of economic stagnation.
Under Chakwera’s leadership, Malawi experienced foreign exchange shortages that crippled imports and fuel supply chains.
Mutharika acknowledged that “the journey ahead will be long and challenging” but assured Malawians that his government would attract foreign investment and rebuild infrastructure.
He said he would soon send a delegation to the United States to discuss new development opportunities and to appeal for renewed international support.
“We will fix this country,” Mutharika said. “We will work with our partners to make Malawi a land of opportunity again.”
Opposition reaction and transition message
The Malawi Congress Party confirmed that outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera had congratulated Mutharika despite his absence from the event.
In a brief statement, Chakwera’s party said it “wishes the new president success and good health” while urging him to “prioritize the welfare of Malawians above politics.”
The peaceful transition was praised by international observers who said it reflected Malawi’s democratic resilience.
Diplomats from the European Union and African Union also commended the orderly handover, calling it a sign of “maturity in African governance.”
Peter Mutharika’s political legacy
Mutharika first served as president from 2014 to 2020 before losing to Chakwera in a disputed election later overturned by the Constitutional Court.
His comeback marks the fourth time he has faced Chakwera in a presidential contest, underscoring a long-running political rivalry that has shaped Malawi’s modern politics.
Supporters credit Mutharika for developing infrastructure and pursuing anti-corruption reforms during his earlier term.
Critics, however, question whether his age and party structure can deliver the economic turnaround he promises.
Still, his renewed mandate gives him a strong parliamentary backing, as the DPP retained a majority in the National Assembly.
Global support and international engagement
Mutharika appealed to the international community to invest in Malawi’s energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
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He expressed optimism that foreign partnerships could stimulate economic growth and help address the nation’s high youth unemployment rate.
He also reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to regional peace and its active role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
As the ceremony concluded, Mutharika waved to supporters and thanked them for “trusting him again to serve.”
“Our journey starts today,” he said. “Together, we will rebuild our country.”
