Second Vice-President of Malawi
| Second Vice President of Malawi | |
|---|---|
since 5 October 2025[1] | |
| Executive branch of the Government of Malawi | |
| Type | Deputy head of state |
| Reports to | President of Malawi |
| Residence | Lilongwe |
| Seat | Lilongwe |
| Appointer | President of Malawi |
| Term length | Five years, renewable once |
| Formation | 1994 |
| First holder | Chakufwa Chihana |
The Second Vice President of Malawi is a constitutional office in the executive branch of the Government of Malawi. The post ranks immediately below the Vice President of Malawi. The current deputy vice president of Malawi is Enock Chihana.[2] The position is appointed by the President and assists in the execution of governmental duties. The position also serves political and representational duties, especially in coalition contexts.[2]
Constitutional basis
The Constitution of Malawi grants the President power to appoint a Second Vice President. The office serves to provide balance in governance, usually used to strengthen political alliances and broaden representation within the executive.[3]
History
The office of Second Vice President was created in 1994 under the new multiparty constitutional framework, during the presidency of Bakili Muluzi. It was used in various administrations, though at times controversial or under debate for redundancy or constitutional clarity.[4]
In September 2025, following general elections, Peter Mutharika won the presidency and officially sworn in as President.[5] On 5 October 2025, he appointed Enoch Chihana as the Second Vice President.[2] Chihana is a leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), which entered into a political alliance with Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ahead of the elections.[3][6][7]
Duties and functions
The duties of the Second Vice President include assisting the President and first Vice President in assigned tasks, representing the government at functions, and helping in coordination of governmental programs when delegated. The exact responsibilities are mostly defined by the President and may vary depending on political agreements, coalition arrangements, or specific needs of the administration.[8]
List of Second Vice Presidents
| # | Name | Term start | Term end | President | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chakufwa Chihana | November 1994 | June 2004 | Bakili Muluzi | First occupant; under the UDF government |
| 2 | Chakufwa Chihana | 15 June 2003 | 19 May 2004 | Bakili Muluzi | Served under Muluzi's presidency |
| 3 | Enoch Chihana | 5 October 2025 | Incumbent | Peter Mutharika | Appointed after 2025 elections; AFORD-DPP political alliance |
See also
References
- ^ "Malawi Government Shake-Up: Mutharika Unveils New Cabinet". Malawi 24. 5 October 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ a b c Joseph (6 October 2025). "Mutharika names Enock Chihana as Malawi's Second VP". APAnews. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Malawi's President Mutharika moves swiftly to appoint partial cabinet". Africanews. 6 October 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ "Malawi leader in bad road crash". 8 January 2004. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ "Peter Mutharika is sworn in as Malawi president in political comeback at the age of 85". AP News. 4 October 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ "UTM's Mtumbuka Congratulates Enock Chihana on Appointment as Second Vice President". Nyasa Times. 6 October 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ "Pala tanjila mu boma sekondale sukulu zizamuwa za ulele - Chihana". Malawi 24. 29 August 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ Banda, Ephraim Mkali (6 October 2025). "Mwenifumbo says Chihana's appointment restores regional balance in Malawi's leadership". Malawi 24. Retrieved 6 October 2025.