While main challenger to Mutharika, John Tembo of the MCP/UDF Alliance was conspicuous with his absence, his counterpart, former head of state Bakili Muluzi was in attendance. Muluzi’s gestures throughout the event were full of warmth and goodwill towards Mutharika.  The two hugged and exchanged a few pleasantries as Mutharika arrived to take his seat.

Mutharika said it was time for Malawi to heal “bruises of a gruelling campaign” and focus on developing the country. To prove his commitment to this endeavour, the president assured the opposition and all Malawians that he will not practice the politics of vengeance and retribution at all in the next five years. 

These sentiments should put to rest rife speculation that Mutharika and his DPP were poised to use their landslide victory to attack and castigate the opposition, especially the MCP/UDF Alliance for frustrating Mutharika’s government and the DPP campaign.
In the run up to the May 19 poll, MCP and UDF launched one attack after the other at DPP, declaring that the party would have no life beyond May 19. Yet, the reverse would seem to be true. However, if Mutharika sticks to his promises, he might just earn himself even more support than what he is already enjoying.

Meanwhile, there has been no official word from John Tembo regarding his future in politics and given Muluzi’s presence at Mutharika’s inauguration as well as his pledge to support the government of Mutharika.