Joyce Banda was sworn in yesterday as Malawi’s first female president in a ceremony in the capital Lilongwe, two days after the death of her predecessor Bingu wa Mutharika.
I will well and truly perform the functions of the president of Malawi
“I will well and truly perform the functions of the high office of the president of the Republic of Malawi,” Banda said during her oath of office, ending fears of a power struggle in the poor southern African nation.
Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries gathered at the parliament building to witness her swearing in as president.
Soldiers guarded the grounds and took over security at state radio and television, as the army publicly backed the transition between civilian leaders.
Banda’s ascension to the presidency ends two days of political intrigue following Mutharika’s fatal heart attack last Thursday, as his inner circle sought in vain to keep his vice-president out of office.
Despite confirmation from doctors and politicians, the government insisted he was alive on Friday night and undergoing treatment in South Africa – only to backtrack the next morning.
Bright Msaka, secretary to the president, confirmed that Mutharika suffered a heart attack at State House at 11.15 a.m. on Thursday, and was pronounced dead on arrival at a military hospital in South Africa the same day.
“The constitution of the Republic of Malawi shall be strictly adhered to in managing the transition,” he said in a statement, urging “all Malawians to remain united and peaceful during this period and at all times”.
Under the constitution, Banda automatically assumes power as vice-president. But late on Friday, Information Minister Patricia Kaliati claimed she could not take office because she had “formed her own opposition party”.
Both Western and African powers called for a peaceful, constitutional handover, with the US publicly backing Banda. The debate was settled as Banda yesterday held a press conference, flanked by the army and police chiefs, where she announced a cabinet meeting to lay out the path forward.
“I don’t think there’s any way we can discuss who is caretaker (president) and who is not,” she said. “The constitution is prevailing right now.”
“I call upon all Malawians to remain calm and to keep the peace during this time of bereavement,” she added.
Malawi declared 10 days of mourning from yesterday, with flags at half-staff and radios ordered to play “sombre” music. Banda said government was speaking with Mutharika’s family about the return of his body from South Africa and the funeral arrangements.