Appeal for calm in Malawi

MALAWI’S new president appealed yesterday to the leader of an opposition coalition to reign in his supporters after bloody riots over the results of the country’s third multiparty elections.

“I am deeply saddened because what is happening is not democracy this is thuggery,” President Bingu wa Mutharika said.

The announcement of Mr wa Mutharika’s victory with 35% of the vote prompted two days of rioting in the economic capital, Blantyre.

The opposition claims the result was rigged. At least four people were killed and 10 seriously wounded.