Political expert tells Malawi President Mutharika to step aside on health grounds

A political expert has told President Peter Mutharika to step aside as he cannot work without his right hand.

Mutharika alighted from a chartered jet, waving his left hand in contrast to the double hand energetic waving he is known for.

Political scientist Ernest Thindwa said the president is not enjoying good health.

“The government needs to take him to hospital. Meanwhile, he should step aside and let the vice president take over. He can come back after he is well,” Thindwa said.

He said the president’s job involves signing documents.

Mutharika greeted cabinet ministers, the vice president Saulos Chilima and others using the left hand. His right hand remained immobile and had to be helped by a security aide to get into his official vehicle.

First Lady wore a sombre mood and the president’s list of those to welcome him with a handshake was drastically reduced.

Board chairman of Centre for the Development of People Macdonald Sembereka said the government should come out to say whether the president signed the documents in the appointed of the four High Court judges and Jane Ansah as Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson.

“These documents are supposed to be signed by the president only but the way he looked it seems he could not sign the documents,” he said.

Information minister Malison Ndau said he was in South Africa and did not see the president whilst presidential spokesperson Mgeme Kalirani was vague on the matter.