DPP celebrates Mutharika’s election as Malawi President
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials and supporters Friday night to early hours of Saturday Malawians round the country took to the streets to celebrate the victory of President- elect Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
The 74-year-old politician is the brother of late Malawian leader Bingu wa Mutharika, who served as president from 2004 until his death in 2012.
Thousands of citizens have been outside their homes since midnight and were chanting “DPP boma! Boma!”
DPP director of women Patricia Kaliati described the results as “sweet victory.”
Mutharika’s victory which came late last night brought hundreds of people onto the streets to celebrate in a cacophony of car horns, singing and shouting.
Personal assistant to Mutharika, Ben Phiri said: “The people of Malawi have spoken and we must all listen.”
Mutharika won 36.4 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission, giving his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) a clear lead over opponents Lazarus Chakwera and incumbent President Joyce Banda.
Chakwera, backed by the Malawi Congress Party of former dictator Kamuzu Banda, obtained 27.8 percent of the vote. Outgoing President Banda came in third place, winning only 20.2 percent of the votes cast on May 20.
Most voters have disclosed that their expectations are high as they are looking forward to see a nation with meaningful economic growth and development.
