President of Malawi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of theRepublic of Malawi |
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Presidential Standard
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| Executive branch of the Malawian Government | |
| Style | His Excellency (formal) |
| Member of | Cabinet |
| Residence | State House, Lilongwe, Malawi |
| Seat | Kamuzu Palace, Capital Hill, Lilongwe |
| Term length | Five years, renewable once consecutively |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Malawi |
| Formation | 6 July 1966 |
| First holder | Hastings Banda |
| Deputy | Vice President of Malawi |
| Salary | 77,509,760 Malawian kwacha/US$ 74,300 annually |
The President of the Republic of Malawi is a very important leader. This person is both the head of state and the head of government for Malawi. Think of them as the main leader of the country.
The president also leads the executive branch of the Government of Malawi. This means they are in charge of making sure the country's laws are carried out. They are also the commander-in-chief of the Malawian Defence Force, which means they lead the country's military. The current president is Lazarus Chakwera, who started his role in June 2020.
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How the President Leads
Malawi's constitution (which is like the country's rulebook) was updated in 1995. It says that the president is chosen by the people. Citizens vote directly for their president every five years.
Malawi also has a vice-president. This person is elected at the same time as the president. The president can also choose a second vice-president. This second vice-president must be from a different political party.
The president also picks people to be part of the Cabinet. The Cabinet helps the president run the country. These members can be chosen from within or outside the country's law-making body, called the legislature. The president is also in charge of defense for the country.
The Start of the Presidency
Malawi became an independent country on July 6, 1964. Before that, it was called Nyasaland and was ruled by Britain. When it became independent, Elizabeth II was still the Queen of Malawi for a short time.
In 1966, Malawi created a new constitution. It became a republic, which means it has a president instead of a king or queen. Hastings Banda, who was the prime minister, became Malawi's first president.
Under the constitutions of 1966, 1994, and 1995, the president leads both the country and its government. They serve for five years. The first president, Banda, was chosen by the country's main assembly. He was even named "president for life" in 1971. But after that, all presidents have been chosen by the people through elections.
In 1993, Malawi became a country with many political parties. This change added ways to make sure the president's power was balanced. This helps prevent one person from having too much control.
How Presidents are Chosen
To become president, a candidate needs to win more than half of the votes (50% plus one more vote). All Malawian citizens who are 18 years old or older can vote in elections.
When someone wants to become president, they must announce who their vice-president will be. Both the president and vice-president candidates are voted for together. Their names appear on the same ballot.
How Long Can a President Serve?
The Constitution of Malawi sets a limit on how long a president can serve. A president can serve for two terms, and each term is five years long. This means a president can serve for a maximum of ten years in a row.
In 2003, there was an attempt to change these term limits for President Bakili Muluzi, but it did not happen.
More About Malawi's Leaders
- List of colonial heads of Malawi (Nyasaland)
- List of heads of state of Malawi
- List of heads of government of Malawi
- Lists of incumbents
