Malawi Law Society (MLS) has backed the decision by Former President Dr Joyce Banda’s decision to shun the newly elected President Professor Peter Mutharika’s Inaugural ceremony, saying there was no need for Banda to be Physically present to hand over powers.

MLS was reacting to the concerns raised by the newly elected President over the failure of his Predecessor to show up on the inauguration ceremony.

MLS Spokesperson Felisa Kilembe said Banda was within her right not to be present at Mutharika’s inaugural ceremony.

“Legally, she was not obliged to go there and do the hand over.

“However, symbolically it would have been very good for the country for her just to go as a goodwill gesture and go and wish professor Mutharika all the best, and ceremoniously hand over. It would have symbolized quite a lot for the country. It would have shown unity, showed at least that she has accepted this and she is willing to move forward,” said Kilembe on Voice of America.

President Mutharika is the fifth President of the Republic of Malawi since gaining independence in 1964.