President of Malawi

Quick facts for kids President of the Republic of Malawi
Presidential Standard
Incumbent Lazarus Chakwera since 28 June 2020
Executive branch of the Malawian Government
Style	His Excellency (formal)
Member of	Cabinet
Residence	Kamuzu Palace, Lilongwe, Malawi
Seat	Kamuzu Palace, Lilongwe, Malawi
Term length	Five years, renewable once consencutively
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Malawi (1991)
Formation	6 July 1966; 59 years ago (1966-07-06)
First holder	Hastings Banda
Deputy	Vice President of Malawi
Salary	77,509,760 Malawian kwacha (US $74,300) annually

The President of Malawi is a very important leader in the country of Malawi. This person is both the head of state and the head of government. Think of them as the main leader who represents Malawi to the world and also runs the daily business of the government. The President also leads the Malawian Defence Force, which is Malawi's military. The current President is Lazarus Chakwera. He became President in June 2020.

Understanding Malawi's President: The Executive Branch

Malawi's government works under a special rule book called the Constitution. This book, updated in 1995, says that the President is chosen by the people of Malawi. They vote directly every five years. The President is in charge of the country's main government group, called the executive branch.

Malawi also has a Vice-President. This person is chosen at the same time as the President. Sometimes, the President can choose a second Vice-President. This second Vice-President must come from a different political group.

The President also picks a team of advisors called the Cabinet. These advisors help the President run the country. They can be chosen from people who are already in the country's law-making group (the legislature) or from outside of it. The President also serves as the Minister of Defence, overseeing the country's military.

Lazarus Chakwera officially became President of Malawi on June 28, 2020. The ceremony took place in Lilongwe, the capital city.

How the Presidency Began in Malawi

Malawi gained its independence from British rule on July 6, 1964. Before that, it was known as Nyasaland. When it became independent, it was still part of the British Commonwealth, with Elizabeth II as its Queen.

A few years later, in 1966, Malawi changed its government. It became a republic, which means it chose its own head of state instead of having a monarch. The country's first Prime Minister, Hastings Banda, became the first President.

The rules for the President have been updated over time, in constitutions from 1966, 1994, and 1995. These rules always say that the President is the main leader of the country and serves for five years. President Banda was first chosen by the country's law-making group. Later, in 1971, he was even named President for life. However, all presidents after him have been chosen by the people through elections.

In 1993, Malawi changed to a system where many political groups could take part. This was called restoring multiparty democracy. New rules were put in place to make sure no single person or group had too much power in the government.

How is the President of Malawi Chosen?

To become President, a candidate needs to win more than half of all the votes. This means they need 50% of the votes plus one more vote. All citizens of Malawi who are 18 years old or older can vote in these elections. This is called direct, universal, and equal voting.

When someone wants to become President, they must also announce who their Vice-President will be. The President and Vice-President are chosen together. Their names appear on the same ballot paper when people vote.

How Long Can a President Serve?

The Constitution of Malawi sets rules for how long a President can serve. A President can serve for two terms in a row, with each term lasting five years. So, a President can serve for a total of ten years if they are re-elected once. However, there is no rule saying a person cannot be President again later, after a break.

In 2003, there was a discussion about changing these term limits for a past President, Bakili Muluzi. But this change did not happen.

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Malaui para niños

• List of colonial heads of Malawi (Nyasaland)
• List of heads of state of Malawi
• List of heads of government of Malawi
• Lists of incumbents