Peter Mutharika, born on July 18, 1940, in the village of Ndata in the Thyolo District of Malawi, is a Malawian politician, lawyer, and academic who served as the President of Malawi from 2014 to 2020. He is the younger brother of Bingu wa Mutharika, who was Malawi's president from 2004 until his death in 2012. Peter Mutharika was educated in the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), followed by a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Law from Yale University.

Mutharika began his career in academia, working as a law professor and eventually becoming a lecturer at the University of Malawi. His political career took off when he joined the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), founded by his brother Bingu wa Mutharika. He held various positions in the government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. After the death of his brother, Peter Mutharika was elected as the DPP's presidential candidate for the 2014 general elections. He campaigned on a platform of economic development, job creation, and good governance.

In the 2014 elections, Mutharika won with 36% of the vote amid a controversial electoral process characterized by allegations of irregularities. His administration faced numerous challenges, including accusations of corruption, economic difficulties, and social unrest. Notably, Mutharika’s government was criticized for its handling of the cashgate scandal, a major corruption scandal that erupted in 2013 involving the embezzlement of millions from government funds.

Mutharika was re-elected in the 2019 presidential elections, where he again faced allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities. The election results were contested by the opposition, leading to a landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court of Malawi, which annulled the results due to widespread irregularities and ordered fresh elections. This ruling was a significant moment in Malawi's democratic journey, highlighting the judiciary's role in holding the executive accountable.

The subsequent elections held in June 2020 resulted in Mutharika’s defeat by opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera, who won with a significant majority. Following his defeat, Mutharika returned to private life, although he remained active in political discussions and issues affecting Malawi.

Throughout his political career, Mutharika has emphasized the importance of education, economic growth, and infrastructure development in Malawi. His tenure saw various initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of Malawians, although many of these initiatives were overshadowed by the controversies surrounding his administration.

Mutharika’s legacy remains a complex one, marked by his contributions to Malawi's governance and the challenges he faced in addressing corruption and fostering economic development. His life reflects the intricate political landscape of Malawi, influenced by familial ties, academic pursuits, and a commitment to public service.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Mutharika).