Joyce Banda vs Muhammad Naji al-Otari

Joyce Banda was elected Vice President of Malawi as running mate to President Bingu wa Mutharika. She served in this role until Mutharika's death in 2012.

Banda was expelled from the DPP after she refused to support President Mutharika's plan to make his brother Peter Mutharika his successor. She subsequently formed her own party, the People's Party.

Following President Bingu wa Mutharika's sudden death, Banda assumed the presidency, becoming Malawi's first female president. Her succession was initially contested by Mutharika's cabinet but ultimately upheld.

Banda sold the presidential jet and a fleet of luxury cars, using the proceeds to fund development projects. This act was widely praised as a symbol of austerity and anti-corruption.

Banda lost the presidential election to Peter Mutharika, coming third with 20% of the vote. The election was marred by allegations of fraud, and Banda challenged the results in court but was unsuccessful.

Muhammad Naji al-Otari was appointed Prime Minister of Syria by President Bashar al-Assad on September 10, 2003, replacing Muhammad Mustafa Mero. He served for over seven years, overseeing economic reforms and maintaining the Ba'athist government's control. His tenure was marked by limited liberalization and continued authoritarian rule.

On April 14, 2011, al-Otari resigned as Prime Minister along with his cabinet, following the outbreak of the Syrian uprising. The resignation was announced by state media as a response to the protests, but it was widely seen as a move by President Assad to reshuffle the government and offer concessions. He was replaced by Adel Safar.