Joyce Banda, Atupele concede defeat

Outgoing President Joyce Banda and United Democratic Front (UDF) presidential contender Atupele Muluzi yesterday conceded defeat to Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Peter Mutharika following his May 20 presidential elections victory.

In a statement released today, Banda—who was People’s Party (PP) presidential candidate—wished Mutharika and his Vice President, Saulos
Chilima, success.

“I commend all Malawians for the patience exercised during this delicate time of transition,” said Banda, who became President in April 2012 following the sudden death of her estranged boss, the late Bingu wa Mutharika.

Banda—who nullified the elections last week before the court issued a stay order in favour of Mutharika, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and Malawi Law Society (MLS) who challenged the legality of the decision—also praised Malawians for the support rendered to her during the two-year presidency. She promised to support Mutharika and his government.

“As I leave office, I am happy that there are significant reforms in macro economy, governance, observance of human rights, food security, women empowerment, rural development and international relations, just to mention but a few. I am happy that the country is at a better place than was the case when I assumed office in 2012,” said Banda, who formed PP after being kicked out of the DPP when it became clear that she would challenge Peter, the late president’s brother, to the presidency.

On his part, Atupele also wished Mutharika well.

“Let us move forward as one Malawi with President Mutharika and provide constructive advice for the betterment of our nation,” he
said.

Former president under the UDF regime Bakili Muluzi, who is father to Atupele, added to the recognition for Mutharika as Malawi’s fifth
president.

“As Malawians, we have to move forward and work together towards building this nation. Let us put our differences behind us and give the President support.

“The Judiciary has proved to be a true pillar of our hard-won democracy. It has remained truly independent and preserved its integrity in a very difficult situation,” he said.

Muluzi said violent scenes that took place before and after voting were regrettable and must never happen again because Malawi is internationally known as a peace loving country.

He saluted MEC chairperson Maxon Mbendera, his commissioners, staff and all electoral stakeholders for allowing sanity to prevail at a time the situation appeared to go out of hand.

JOYCE BANDA STATEMENT SEE HERE:

STATEMENT BY HER EXCELENCY DR. JOYCE BANDA

ON THE OUTCOME OF THE 2014 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Fellow Malawians;

I would like to first of all, thank all Malawians that took part in the just ended, first ever tripartite elections.

Despite isolated incidences of disturbances, Malawians generally embraced peace throughout the election period and exercised impeccable patience as we awaited the conclusion of the elections. I commend all Malawians for the patience exercised during this delicate time of transition.

Last evening, on 30th May 2014, the Malawi Electoral Commission announced the Presidential results of the Tripartite Elections that were held from Tuesday, 20th May to Thursday, 22nd May 2014.

I take this opportunity to sincerely congratulate the President Elect Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and the Vice President Elect Mr. Saulos Klaus Chilima on their victory in an election that was closely contested.

I wish the President Elect and the Vice President Elect every success as they take up the mantle of leadership for the nation of Malawi. It is my prayer that the new President and his Government will successfully guide our nation to greater heights of prosperity.

I would like to thank all Malawians for the support rendered to me and my government during my term in office as President of this great Republic.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve my country, Malawi, and more so as the country’s first female president.

During my term, significant reforms that aimed at taking the nation to the right development trajectory were implemented, and I appreciate the support and encouragement that Malawians and all other well wishers gave me during these reforms.

As I leave office today, I am happy that there are visible positive outcomes of these reforms in the macro economy, in governance and observance of human rights, in food security, in women’s empowerment, in rural development and international relations to mention but a few. I am happy that the country is at a better place than was the case when I assumed office in 2012.

I therefore wish to take this opportunity, to urge all Malawians to support the newly elected President Professor Mutharika and his Government as they take on this foundation of progress and endeavor to develop Malawi even further.

In conclusion, while these elections have been tense, I would like to urge all Malawians to move forward as one nation, to remain united, to uphold the rule of law, and continue being peaceful and calm as we head into the next fifty years of Malawi’s future.

May God continue to protect and bless our Nation, Mother Malawi.

I thank you for your attention.