State leaders from countries outside Malawi have started arriving in the south-east African nation for the inauguration of the country's President-elect.
51.35 percent of the official results show that incumbent President Bingu wa Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is winning with over 2 million votes against opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) electoral coalition candidate John Tembo's 1 million-plus votes, clearly indicating the former is poised for inauguration Malawi President.
First to arrive in Malawi was Republic of Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete, who arrived this Thursday afternoon and is expected to be joined by Zambian leader Rupiah Banda.
An official statement isued by Dickson Jere, special assistant to the Zambian President, which Best of Malawi has, "His Excellency the President Mr. Rupiah Banda is scheduled Thursday to leave for Malawi to attend the inauguration of newly elected President of Malawi Bingu Wa Mutharika."
According to the statement, "President Banda is expected to be among other Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new President in Malawi. The ceremony is scheduled to be held on Friday in Blantyre.
"President Banda will be accompanied by Energy and Water Development Minister Honourable Kenneth Konga, MP. The President is expected to return to Zambia on Friday shortly after the ceremony."
It is expected that official results will be announced by the Malawi Electoral Commission tonight or any time before tomorrow.
About six million Malawians went to polls on Tuesday to elect their leader for the next five years.
Mutharika, formed his own DPP after dumping former Malawi President Bakili Muluzi's UDF party in 2004. His party is also scooping more seats in Parliament, according to the EC's oficial results.
