By Draxon Maloya
The United Transformation Movement (UTM) president, Saulos Chilima who was the running mate to Malawi Congress Party (MCP) torch bearer in the Tonse Alliance has become the first ever Malawian to serve two heads of state in the capacity of vice president.
Having served in president, Peter Mutharika’s government as vice, this time around the UTM leader campaigned rigorously for Lazarus Chakwera and on Saturday he will be sworn in as the vice president of the republic of Malawi.
Malawi has a history of having sour working relationships between the presidents and their vice dating way back from the era of late Bingu wa Mutharika who even framed a treason case against the then vice, Cassim Chilumpha.
The only vice president who was kept for two consecutive terms was Justin Malewezi who enjoyed his full tennure of office under Bakili Muluzi.
After falling out of favour with Peter Mutharika, Chilima formed his UTM which partnered with MCP in Malawi’s Fresh Presidential Election after the Courts nullified the 19th May, 2019 presidential election which ushered into office Mutharika and his running mate, Everton Chimlirenji.
Chilima has maintained his position as Malawi’s fifth vice president but under two heads of state after: Justin Malewezi, Cassim Chilumpha, Joyce Banda and Khumbo Kachale.
Malawians took to the ballot box on Tuesday, 23rd June 2020 to elect the president in a heated up presidential campaign which saw the runningmates, Saulos Chilima and Atupele Muluzi campaigning more that their torch bearers.