Malawi’s new president Lazarus Chakwera says the new administration will respect the rule of law and the right of access to information.

In his inaugural address at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe on Monday, Chakwera said he will declare his assets each year as required by law.

Malawi’s Constitution demands that the President should appear before Parliament to present the State of the Nation Address, report on government’s policies of the previous year and to respond to questions from Members of Parliament (MPs).

Chakwera therefore said he will always appear in Parliament to answer questions on governance issues.

“I promise to set a good example of submitting myself to the constitutional processes, provisions, and institutions that are designed to ensure that the President and Vice President are always at their best,” Chakwera said at a ceremony restricted to about 100 people due to covid-19 restrictions.

He also said he will propose legislation to reduce the powers of the presidency and empower institutions to operate independently, including Parliament and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

The Tonse Alliance leader, said he will meet with the Leader of Opposition personally every three months to listen to alternative ways of running government affairs.

Chakwera also pledged to operationalize the Access to Information Act in order to promote transparency and accountability in government.

The official inauguration took place a week after he was sworn into office after defeating the then incumbent Peter Mutharika in a fresh election.

The initial inauguration ceremony which also coincided with Independence Celebrations, was earlier scheduled for Bingu National Stadium but was later cancelled due to a surge in coronavirus cases.