Muluzi, Bakili (1943– )

Malawi politician, president 1994–2004. Muluzi formed the United Democratic Front (UDF) in 1992 when President Banda agreed to end one-party rule, and went on to win almost half of the presidential votes in May 1994. After taking office, he applied his business experience to the task of liberalizing trade and reviving the economy. He was re-elected in June 1999. After demonstrations, he abandoned attempts to change the constitution to allow him to stand for a third consecutive term, and stepped down in 2004. But in March 2007 he announced that he would contest the 2009 presidential elections.

Born in Machinga, southern Malawi, he used his entrepreneurial skills to become a wealthy usinessman. Entering politics, he became close to President Hastings Banda and served in his government as well as being secretary eneral of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). In 1982 a rift developed when he was accused of stealing party funds and replaced as secretary general. He then joined the underground opposition and pro-democracy movement, and when, in 1992, the president conceded to demands for an end to one-party rule, Muluzi formed the UDF to fight the impending presidential and assembly elections. In May 1994 the UDF won 84 of the 175 assembly seats and Muluzi 47% of the votes for the presidency.

Banda accepted that his rival was a ‘clear winner’ and promised to work with him in ‘building a better democratic Malawi’.