Malawi: Peter Mutharika wins presidential to replace Joyce Banda

Opposition candidate Peter Mutharika has been declared the winner of Malawi’s disputed presidential election, the BBC reports. The leader of the Democratic Progressive Party obtained 36.4% of the vote, the electoral commission announced.

A protester died earlier after police dispersed an angry crowd demanding a recount of last week’s ballot.

Outgoing president Joyce Banda has alleged the vote was rigged.

‘Law is clear’

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) had asked for a 30-day extension to declare the results so that a recount could be carried out.

However, the High Court refused to delay the release of results and ordered the commission to make its announcement on Friday.

“The law is clear, there is no extension,” judge Kenyatta Nyirenda said.

Mr Mutharika is the brother of the late President Bingu wa Mutharika, and had served as his foreign minister.

Former preacher Lazarus Chakwera, from the Malawi Congress Party, came second with 27.8% of the vote.

Mrs Banda, who came to power after the death of Bingu wa Mutharika two years ago, was third with 20.2% of the vote.

UM– USEKE.RW