lilongwe — How significant is Malawi opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera’s win and what are the challenges ahead as he takes the reins of a divided country? Al Jazeera Chakwera has been sworn in as the country’s new President after beating the incumbent Peter Mutharika in an historic rerun vote. “With your help, we will restore the nation’s faith in the possibility of a government that serves. Not a government that rules. A government that inspires, not a government that infuriates. A government that listens, not a government that shouts. A government that fights for you and not against you,” said Chakwera during Sunday’s ceremony attended by thousands in the capital, Lilongwe. Chakwera garnered 2,6 million of the 4,4 million votes cast, representing about 59%, against Mutharika’s 1,7 million votes, or about 39%, Malawi’s Electoral Commission said late on Saturday. “The outcome is not surprising at all. It is what most Malawians were expecting. The only thing people are surprised with is the win margin,” Jimmy Kainja, a lecturer in media, communication and cultural studies at the University of Malawi, told Al Jazeera. It was the second time in 13 months that Malawians went to the polls to cast their ballot on Tuesday in a presidential election. In February, the south-eastern African country’s Constitutional Court threw out the results of the May 2019 election alleging widespread irregularities — a move only seen once in Africa before and never in Malawi. The electoral commission initially declared Mutharika, who has been in power since 2014, winner of the discredited poll, claiming he garnered 38,5% of the votes. Chakwera, the Pentecostal pastor turned politician, won 35,4% of the votes cast, the electoral commission said. The announcement led to months-long street protests with demonstrators claiming their votes were stolen. In a bid to unseat Mutharika — the brother of former President, the late Bingu wa Mutharika — Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP) along with several opposition parties formed a coalition, the Tonse Alliance. Former President Joyce Banda also joined the nine-party coalition. Chakwera’s decision to team up with Saulos Chilima, who finished third in last year’s poll, seem to have earned electoral benefits. “This election was a historic one. Our democracy and Judiciary system finally came of age. Malawians and the rule of law won,” Kainja added. Opposition hopes Away from Lilongwe, the significance of Chakwera’s win has not been lost on the continent’s long-suffering opposition groups, who have sent congratulatory messages to the newly elected leader. “New life to Malawi! Congratulations to the President-elect. Kudos to State organs’ professionalism citizens’ vigilance. Well done Malawi!” tweeted Nelson Chamisa, Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader. Zambia’s main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema tweeted that Malawians “have set a great example for Africa!” Mmusi Maimane, former leader of South Africa’s main opposition Democratic Alliance, also tweeted: “My friend, brother and leader has ju