All eyes will be on outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera tomorrow when he takes his final bow at Kamuzu Stadium during the inauguration of President-elect Arthur Peter Mutharika. Protocol dictates that Chakwera, as Head of State, will be the last to arrive. He will receive his final presidential salute, accompanied by the national anthem blasted by the Malawi Defence Force brass band—a moment that will seal his chapter as Malawi’s sixth president.
The symbolism is rich. After the salute, Chakwera will proceed to greet dignitaries and invited Heads of State, in a gathering that will, for the first time in Malawi’s democratic history, bring together all former presidents under one roof. The presence of these leaders underscores what observers are calling one of the smoothest and most peaceful transfers of power since the dawn of multiparty democracy in 1994—an achievement credited squarely to Chakwera’s statesmanship and grace in conceding defeat.
This dignified show of unity throws into sharp relief the pettiness of the incoming President himself. Five years ago, Peter Mutharika—then a bitter man nursing defeat—snubbed Chakwera’s inauguration and retreated to Mangochi in defiance of democratic norms. He spent the years that followed railing against HRDC, the late Saulos Chilima, and even the judiciary, accusing them of staging what he described as a “judicial coup.” Instead of embodying the spirit of national healing, he clung to grievances like a man trapped in yesterday’s wars.
Tomorrow, the contrast could not be starker. Chakwera—despite being the man who has just been voted out—will attend, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his predecessors, teaching Mutharika and others that leadership is bigger than personal grudges. His presence will be the loudest lesson of the day: when a president wins, the whole country wins.
Secretary to the Treasury Hetherwick Njati, speaking on behalf of the inauguration committee, confirmed that preparations are complete and that the public is encouraged to witness the ceremony, either at Kamuzu Stadium or at designated viewing centres across Lilongwe, Mzuzu, and Mangochi. The event will draw dignitaries from across the region, but it is Chakwera’s final presidential act that is set to define the day.
Mutharika may be the one taking the oath, but it is Chakwera’s grace and class that will steal the show.
