By AFPMore by this AuthorLilongweMalawi's former president Joyce Banda has pulled out of the May 21 presidential race and endorsed opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera who heads the Malawi Congress Party. Speaking to AFP, Banda, who heads the People's Party, confirmed her decision, saying: "Yes, it is true". EXILEShe fled the country into self-imposed exile but returned to Malawi last year, saying the allegations against her were politically motivated. But it didn't last long, with Banda announcing just days later that she had submitting papers to run as a presidential candidate. Now 68, Banda first came to power in April 2012 following the sudden death of then president Bingu wa Mutharika.

Source: Daily Nation March 15, 2019 06:33 UTC