In what has been lauded as a landmark result in African politics, Rev. Lazarus Chakwera, former President of the Evangelical Alliance of Malawi, was sworn in as President on the 28th of June 2020. Rev. Chakwera won the presidential race, defeating incumbent President Peter Mutharika with 58.57% of the vote. In his inaugural speech, he appealed to Malawians to arise and to realize their dreams. “The time has come for us to go beyond dreaming. We all must wake up because this is a time to arise from slumber and make our dream come true.” He said.
The General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Malawi, Rev. Francis Mkandawire, expressed his joy what many in the continent still believe is a stunning result, both for democracy and the Church in Africa. He said, “We are indeed grateful to God, however, it demands of us, as evangelicals in the nation, to earnestly pray for him and get more involved in the public and market place as the salt and light. Pray for us”
AEA Board Chair, Rev. Dr. Mario Li Hing said, “Rev. Lazarus Chakwera, former President of Malawi Evangelical Alliance has been elected the President of Malawi. According to his testimony in a video message, this is purely ‘By The Grace of The Lord’. Indeed it is the doing of the Lord. May he be guided and used as an instrument of transformation in Malawi and a testimony of what can happen in every other African Nation when the Righteous is on the throne! May this be the beginning of what we have been praying about and believing God for “The Africa God Wants”. Let us also uphold him in our prayers for the Lord to preserve him and protect him from wicked and corrupt advisers/associates. May he be endued with the power of the Holy Spirit to excel where others have failed, and to model for others what Godly leadership is.”
The AEA General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Aiah Foday-Khabenje, in his message to other National Alliance leaders in Africa, was excited at the opportunity for the Church to model good leadership and governance in nations. Rev. Aiah, however, raised a word of caution to the Church in Africa. He noted, “We need to also be careful about our expectations and what we make of a Christian leader ascending to the presidency of a nation. I like the way H. E Chakwera views his new position, he continues his ministry in the market place. I pray that he would not be derailed by the very church. My prayer is that he will continue to be a disciple of Christ in the market place. If the Lord leads him to have a think tank of evangelical and strategic counsellors in the region as confidants and fellowship and wise counsel…that will be great and AEA or the Alliance in Malawi should able to facilitate.”