Malawi gained its independence from Britain on July 6, 1964. Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda became Malawi’s first president but soon passed a new constitution in 1966 declaring the nation a single-party state. Four years later, he named himself President for Life in 1970. Banda ruled with four principles: loyalty, discipline, unity, and obedience. These attributes were drilled into Malawians and still heavily influence Malawians’ sense of nationalism and politicians’ decisions.
Dr. Banda was replaced in 1944 by Bakili Muluzi under growing pressures for political and academic freedom. President Muluzi served two-five year terms until 2004, when Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika was elected on an anti-corruption platform. President Bingu had an incredibly successful first term, earning wide respect in Malawi and much international attention and praise. He was reelected in 2009 with his running mate, Joyce Banda.
During his second term, Dr. Mutharika lost most of his internal and international support as he was widely accused of economic mismanagement and poor governance. President Bingu and Vice President Banda had major political differences and she was thrown out of his Democratic People’s Party. She formed her own People’s Party in 2011, but constitutionally remained Malawi’s Vice President.
On April 5, 2012, President Bingu passed away from cardiac arrest, and Joyce Banda was inaugurated as Malawi’s president on April 7. President Banda used her new power to speak to Malawians about the need to stay unified during their tough transition and that there were to be no harsh feelings or actions for revenge on either side of the political debate. Within her first week in office, President Banda rearranged the cabinet and reopened talks with donor nations.
President Joyce Banda
President Joyce Banda has been called a champion for women and the international community is anticipating a large shift in Malawian social policy under her rule. Few deny that President Banda has a tough journey ahead, but all are hoping to see economic growth, renewed academic freedom, and improved health equality throughout the nation.
