Peter Mutharika, brother of a former president and leader of an opposition party, was inaugurated as Malawi’s president Monday after being declared the winner of the southern African nation’s contested elections.

More than 30,000 jubilant supporters attended the ceremony at Kamuzu Stadium in the commercial capital, Blantyre, which included military exercises, traditional dances and a 21-gun salute.

“I travelled to witness the inauguration ceremony to give support to my president and my party,” said Mirriam Chazama, who hails from the central town of Salima.

“I am happy that the party that cares for Malawi is back in power,” said another Mutharika supporter, Chikondi Mlumbe from Blantyre. “I hope it will create jobs for the youth.” In a brief address, Mutharika, 74, vowed to defend the constitution and fight corruption.

International donors have been withholding aid because of rampant fraud, which cost the poverty-stricken nation millions of dollars.

“Our country lost direction,” said Mutharika, promising that “all those who broke the law will face justice.” Mutharika, brother of late president Bingu wa Mutharika and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party, is replacing Joyce Banda as president.

He was sworn into office Saturday after receiving 36.4 per cent of the votes in the May 20 election.

In second place with 27.8 per cent of the votes was evangelical minister Lazarus Chakwera of the opposition Malawi Congress Party.

In third place was incumbent Banda with 20.2 per cent of the votes.

Banda, who had called for fresh elections after alleging fraud, declined to attend the inauguration.

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