Malawian Vice-President Joyce Banda took over the running of the southern African nation on Saturday after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. The government only officially confirmed 78-year-old Mutharika's death earlier on Saturday, two days after he had died following a heart attack. His body had been flown to a military hospital in South Africa. Banda, 61, who will be southern Africa's first female head of state, appeared at a news conference in the capital Lilongwe and said "I call upon all Malawians to remain calm and to keep the peace during this time of bereavement." She was flanked by members of the cabinet, the attorney general and the heads of the army and the police, according to a report of Reuters. Asked by a reporter whether she was assuming the presidency, Banda, replied: "As you can see, the constitution prevails". The constitution stipulates that the vice-president takes over if the president dies. Banda is expected to run the country until scheduled elections take place in 2014. The presidency and cabinet issued a statement assuring citizens and the international community "that the constitution of the Republic of Malawi will be strictly adhered to in managing the transition." "We trust that the vice president (Banda) who is next in line will be sworn in shortly," the U.S. State Department said. British Foreign Minister William Hague said in a statement on Saturday: "I urge all sides to remain calm and (hope) that a peaceful handover takes place as provided for under Malawi's constitution."
