Malawi president appeals for end to rioting

Malawi’s new president appealed today 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 as he visited his new office on Capital Hill, the seat of government in Lilongwe.

“I appeal to the opposition coalition leaders, especially Mr Chakuamba, not to encourage this.”

Gwanda Chakuamba accused the Malawi Electoral Commission of colluding with the ruling United Democratic Front party to rig last week’s elections and proclaimed himself the rightful winner.

His seven-party Mgwirizano coalition appealed to the High Court to order a re-run of the presidential poll, which international observers said was marred by serious irregularities.

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

At least four people were killed in the violence while 10 others were seriously wounded.

Opposition supporters blamed police for the casualties, saying they fired shots to disperse the crowds. Police say they are not aware that live ammunition was used.

For almost 30 years, the former British colony in southern Africa was governed as an absolute dictatorship by self-proclaimed president-for-life Hastings Kamuzu Banda.