Chakwera wishes APM happy birthday
President Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday extended his best wishes to his predecessor Peter Mutharika who has turned 80.
Mutharika, who lost to Chakwera in the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election held on June 23, was born on July 18, 1940.
A brief message issued by the President’s office reads: “The State President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera, wishes the Former President Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika, a Happy 80th Birthday.”
Posting on his Twitter page, Mutharika, who became president after winning the controversial May 2014 Tripartite Elections, described the day as great in his life.
He further acknowledged people’s support towards him in his life.
Tweeted Mutharika: “Today is another day as I have added another year on the cards. I thank the Almighty God for taking me this far and all of you for always being with me throughout my academic and political journey.”
Mutharika contested in the May 19 2019 presidential election which the High Court, sitting as the Constitutional Court, nullified due to massive irregularities. The court ordered a fresh election which was held last month. Mutharika amassed only 38 percent of the vote, losing to Chakwera who got 58. 7 percent of the vote.
However, Mutharika did not attend Chakwera’s inauguration to formally hand over power to his successor. He had earlier described the historic presidential election re-run as “the worst in Malawi’s history” but urged the country to move on peacefully.
