By Peter Davieson

Political analyst Chimwemwe Tsitsi says outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera’s attendance at the swearing-in of newly elected President Professor Peter Mutharika reflects Malawi’s growing democratic maturity.

Tsitsi said Chakwera’s gesture demonstrates that political leaders are beginning to separate partisan politics from national interests.

There is also hope that other former heads of state, Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda, will attend the ceremony.

Speaking to YFM, Tsitsi urged Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters to view the event as a national function rather than a party affair.

He further advised the supporters to respect the ceremony by refraining from mocking leaders of other political parties.