After a five-year hiatus, Peter Mutharika is set to reclaim the presidency of Malawi, having seemingly secured victory in the recent general election. His return marks a significant turn for the nation, especially given the economic struggles Malawi has faced since his predecessor, Lazarus Chakwera, took office.
Mutharika, who previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, is now back on the political stage, campaigning with the promise of restoring stability and prosperity. He often reminded voters during his campaign, “You miss me, right? You have suffered, right?” referencing the tough economic conditions, including soaring inflation, dwindling foreign reserves, and the impact of Cyclone Freddy, that have plagued the country.
However, Mutharika’s own legacy is not without its complexities. His previous tenure was marred by corruption allegations and a controversial end to his presidency, which was ultimately overturned by the Constitutional Court due to widespread electoral fraud, famously involving the use of correction fluid, earning him the moniker ‘Tipp-Ex president’.
Despite these challenges, the 85-year-old’s path to this comeback is rooted in a life that initially steered clear of politics. Born in 1940, Mutharika pursued a distinguished academic career, becoming a professor of international justice and teaching across three continents. His foray into politics began in 2004 when his brother, Bingu wa Mutharika, became president. Peter served in various ministerial roles before being elected president himself in 2014.
His supporters point to infrastructure development and a drop in inflation during his first term as successes. Yet, his presidency also saw periods of economic hardship and continued battles with corruption.
While Mutharika’s political journey has been eventful, his personal life is described as more reserved. Friends and colleagues often depict him as a studious individual, more comfortable with books than with large political rallies. He has three children from his first marriage and later married DPP parliamentarian Gertrude Maseko in 2014.
As Mutharika prepares to return to the presidential residence, he faces the daunting task of addressing Malawi’s deep-seated economic and social issues. The nation watches closely, hoping his return will usher in a period of stability and renewed prosperity.
More about Malawi from the BBC:
- What is at stake in Malawi’s elections?
- Malawi – where the petrol queue might overshadow the queue to vote
- Joyce Banda – Malawi’s first female president
- Banana wine brings sweet taste of success to Malawi farmers
- ‘I tell my children not to play so we save money on soap’
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