In brief
Peter Mutharika, former president of Malawi, has won the general election to return to office following a contentious political landscape marked by corruption allegations and a significant economic downturn during Lazarus Chakwera's presidency. Mutharika, who initially aimed to steer clear of politics, now faces the challenge of addressing the current crises affecting Malawi, all while under scrutiny for his past leadership.
Just five years after being dramatically unseated by a court ruling, Peter Mutharika is set to return to power as the president of Malawi. Mutharika, who held the top job from 2014 to 2020, triumphed in last week's general election, usurping his long-time rival, President Lazarus Chakwera. Mutharika told voters on the campaign trail that life was simply better under him - Malawi has experienced one of its worst ever economic downturns since Chakwera took office. However, the record of 85-year-old Mutharika has its own blemishes, from corruption allegations to the debacle that ended his first presidency.This is the fourth time he has run for office, but initially, Mutharika did not intend to go into politics. Born in 1940 in the tea-growing region of Thyolo, he was raised by two teachers and developed a love for education. Mutharika attended Dedza Secondary School, known for nurturing notable politicians, and studied law at the prestigious Yale University in the US.He later became a professor of international justice, teaching in multiple countries before entering politics in 2004, when his older brother, Bingu, became president. His journey in politics has been tumultuous, including a dramatic power struggle following Bingu's death, where Mutharika faced treason charges.Despite his challenges, his first term as president saw significant economic improvements, yet it was also marred by scandals. His recent campaign was characterized by his appeal to voters feeling the pressures of a stagnant economy and rampant inflation, leading to his surprising success in the elections.Having reclaimed the presidency, Mutharika now faces crucial tasks to stabilize Malawi, where many citizens have struggled with poverty and inflation.");
