NEW : Malawians welcomed his focus on reducing reliance on food aid and attaining self-sufficiency . Government official declares vice president ineligible for election . Bingu wa Mutharika , 78 , took office in 1999 and was re - elected two years later . Citizens welcomed his programs to help farmers in the largely agricultural nation . His popularity took a dip in recent years amid a faltering economy and diplomatic spats .
NEW : Government official declares vice president ineligible for election . Bingu wa Mutharika , 78 , took office in 1999 and was re - elected two years later . Citizens welcomed his programs to help farmers in the largely agricultural nation . His popularity took a dip in recent years amid a faltering economy and diplomatic spats .