Peter Mutharika

Peter Mutharika was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by his brother, President Bingu wa Mutharika. He served in this role until Bingu's death in 2012.

Peter Mutharika won the presidential election with 36% of the vote, defeating incumbent Joyce Banda and Lazarus Chakwera. The election was disputed, with Banda alleging fraud.

Mutharika won a second term in a highly controversial election. The Malawi Electoral Commission declared him the winner, but the opposition challenged the results, leading to widespread protests.

The Malawi Constitutional Court annulled the 2019 presidential election due to widespread irregularities, including the use of correction fluid on tally sheets. This was a landmark ruling in African jurisprudence.

Mutharika lost the rerun election to Lazarus Chakwera, receiving 39% of the vote against Chakwera's 59%. He conceded defeat, marking a peaceful transfer of power.