Muluzi congratulates Malawi president-elect Chakwera, VP Chilima

Malawi’s former president Bakili Muluzi has congratulated President-elect Dr Lazarus Chakwera  following his victory in the presidential elections.

Chakwera defeated incumbent Peter Mutharika with 58.57% of the vote in Tuesday’s  court-sanctioned fresh presidential poll.

For the first time, the winner needed over 50%  of the votes to avoid a run-off election

The new president is expected to be sworn in on Sunday.

Muluzi reportedly phoned Chakwera to congratulate him and has also delivered a written message.

According to a statement, the former president said he wishes Chakwera and vice-president Saulos Chilima “all the best as they take the mantle of serving the people of Malawi.”

For the re-run, Chakwera obtained the high-profile support of Vice President Saulos Chilima, former president Joyce Banda and  other small political parties including former human rights firebrand activist turned politician Timothy Mtambo.