Newly-elected Malawian president sworn in, calls for unity

Newly-elected Malawian President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday was sworn in for his second and last term in office, and he called on the nation to unite in order to achieve the country's aspirations.

Malawi's President elect Arthur Peter Mutharika speaks during the swearing in ceremony at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on May 28, 2019. [Photo: AFP/Amos Gumulira]

Mutharika and Vice President Everton Chimulirenji were sworn in by Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda during a ceremony conducted at the Kamuzu Stadium attended by hundreds of his supporters as well as second President Bakili Muluzi.

"The election is over. There is a time to fight, there is a time to unite. There is a time to argue, there is a time to agree. There is a time to pursue personal interest, there is time to pursue national goals," Mutharika said as his supporters clad in party colors roared in support.

The Malawian leader urged his opponents to accept his victory as there can only be one winner and thanked Malawians for voting for him, adding that his victory is the victory of the people, the rule of law and democracy.

He further commended the country's electoral body for the way it managed the elections, adding that the elections were conducted in a way which reflects the will of Malawians.

Mutharika won by 38.57 percent of the votes against his closest rival Lazarus Chakwera, the country's main opposition leader of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) who had 35.41 percent of the votes, while Vice President Saulos Chilima was the third with 20.24 percent of the votes, in the tightly contest election.

A former law professor, Mutharika, 78, came to power in 2014. His government carried out agricultural subsidies and electrification programs in rural regions where his support is the strongest.

He will be inaugurated on Friday at the same stadium, according to an announcement from the ruling party.