Mutharika opens Malawi parliament, urges unity

President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday inaugurated the 45th Session of Parliament with a call to the opposition to join hands with his government to run the affairs of the state in a spirit of cooperation, collaboration and complementary.

In his address titled “Transforming Our Country into a Prosperous Nation with a Shared Vision”, Mutharika said he was looking forward to the opposition’s support as the government begins to implement the national agenda and engage in the transformation of the country. “I regard your role as being vital to our democracy and the journey towards prosperity,” he said. He said a better Malawi could only be achieved through collaboration and working together by putting the people first.

Mutharika was elected Malawian leader following general elections held last month. He took over from Joyce Banda who had ruled Malawi since April 2012 when she assumed power following the death of former president Bingu wa Mutharika, elder brother of the incumbent.