LILONGWE, Malawi – President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi has congratulated Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, the leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), for winning the recently concluded elections.
In his national address, Dr. Chakwera thanked Malawians for putting their trust in him and for their support, adding he would always be grateful for their confidence.
“For this reason, a moment ago, I called Prof. Mutharika directly to congratulate him for his historic victory and to wish him well in his upcoming tenure as the 7th President of the Republic of Malawi,” Dr. Chakwera said.
President Chakwera made the declaration as the country’s electoral authority prepared to publish the official results of the Sept. 16 ballot at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in the capital, Lilongwe.
“I called President Mutharika to congratulate him on his victory,” Chakwera said in a statement broadcast by state radio. “I have also asked my staff to start preparing handover notes.”
While reacting to the new development, award-winning Zimbabwean journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono said Malawians had elected a new president.
“It is now important for Malawians to move forward, not to look back in anger, disappointment, or disillusionment. The will of the people must be respected, as is expected in any functional and working democracy. It is equally important for the winners not to embrace a vanquish mentality or a winner-takes-all approach that disregards everyone else who lost,” said Hopewell.
Which kind of a government should the president-elect build in Malawi
He advised the president elect, Professor Mutharika to build a government that is inclusive, united, and composed of capable and competent Malawians.
“They do not have to come only from your own party, because political parties are, by nature, limited in the scope of competence and knowledge available to them. Yes, you have the right to choose your government, but if you want to succeed, form a government of all talents. Bring in some of those who lost, especially the young and competent leaders from parties like the UTM and UDF, who have demonstrated track records of leadership,” Hopewell explained.
That way, Hopewell observed that Professor Mutharika can move forward without a sectarian mentality prevailing.
“This is your last term as president; you are not going to run again. You owe no one favours except Malawi and Malawians who have elected you. Do not make decisions that are popular within your party but unpopular in the country. Make the tough, sometimes painful, decisions that will secure your legacy and leave your name remembered with honour,” Hopewell added.
Why Professor Mutharika should be cautious about those he brings in his government
He said that there are those who will see this as a moment to rebuild Malawi after so many years of failure under the previous administration, and there are others who will see it as their chance to eat.
“Beware of such people, Professor Mutharika, because they will destroy your legacy. Focus on building Malawi by surrounding yourself with capable and competent people, not just loyalists. Loyalists may pledge allegiance, but loyalty does not always translate into competence. Choose those who can deliver real results for the nation,” noted Hopewell.
Hopewell reiterated that elections by nature are a bruising contest, and very difficult, painful things would have been said during the campaign between Professor Mutharika, Pastor Lazarus Chakwera, Atupele Muluzi, and others.
“Now is the time to put all that behind you. At the end of the day, you are all Malawians. Malawi’s success is your success, and its failure is also your failure. I wish Malawians well. We are one African people, bound by shared history and destiny. Your success is also our success, and your failure is our failure too! Zikomo Kwambiri,” explained Hopewell a fellow at Harvard.
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