Malawi’s opposition leader, Lazarus Chakwera, has been sworn in on Sunday June 28, 2020 as the country’s new president for a five-year term after winning a re-run of the election with over 58 percent of the vote.
During his inauguration speech in the capital, Lilongwe, Chakwera urged for national reconciliation and spoke directly to supporters of defeated incumbent president, Peter Mutharika, vowing “to make Malawi a peaceful, prosperous nation”.
“Perhaps the prospect of my presidency fills you with fear and grief. I want you to remember one thing, that this new Malawi is a home to you, too,” said Chakwera.
“So long as I am its president it will be a home in which you, too, will prosper”.
The former evangelical preacher won last week’s rerun election after the first was voided.
Lazarus Chakwera is Malawi’s sixth president after winning the historic vote held last week.
In his goodwill message to the new President, President Muhammadu Buhari said, “Greetings from the government and people of Nigeria. I congratulate you and the alliance on your impressive victory in the elections. I look forward to working with you for the advancement of peace, security and development of the entire continent”.
