Mutharika seeks to 'mend fences' with Joyce Banda

2014-06-03 08:47 Blantyre - Malawi President Peter Mutharika said on Monday economic stability and national unity would be the focus of his government as he became the fifth leader of the southern African state following a disputed election.

Mutharika, declared the winner of the 20 May election last week, said his administration would target annual economic growth of 7% and promised a lean cabinet of 20, including deputy ministers - half the size of previous governments.

"We are determined to change the direction of the economy. This is why ...I chose a running mate outside of political ranks," Mutharika said in his inauguration speech.

The new vice president, Saulos Chilima, is an economist and former Managing Director of telecommunications firm Airtel, a local unit of Bharti Airtel.

Logistical problems

Mutharika, a former law professor, also sought to mend fences with his predecessor Joyce Banda, who at one point disputed the validity of the vote and demanded a re-run. Banda did not attend Mutharika's inauguration in the commercial capital, Blantyre.

Joyce Banda (File: AFP)

"I look forward to shaking hands with her to bury the past. I come to her with an olive branch. Don't let it drop," Mutharika said.

The poll, which was plagued by logistical problems and followed by sporadic protests, was declared generally "free, peaceful and credible" by a Southern African Development Community observer mission.

Mutharika, 74, is the brother of president Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in office in April 2012.

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Mutharika seeks to 'mend fences' with Joyce Banda