Muluzi, Bakili (Elson Bakili Muluzi) [key], 1943–, Malawian political leader, president of Malawi (1994–2004). After serving in the cabinet of Hastings Kamuzu Banda, he came to power in the first democratic elections held since Banda declared himself president for life in 1971. Muluzi, a member of the United Democratic Front (UDF), was reelected in 1999 but failed in his bid to rewrite the constitution in order to run for a third term. His handpicked successor, Bingu wa Mutharika was elected in 2004, but broke with Muluzi in 2005 and founded the Democratic Progressive party. Muluzi was arrested in 2008 for an alleged coup plot and in 2009 for diverting millions of dollars in foreign aid. In 2009 he again unsuccessfully sought to run for a third term.
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