BLANTYRE, Malawi, May 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Bingu wa Mutharika, outgoing president Bakili Muluzi's handpicked successor from the ruling United Democratic Front, was elected president of Malawi inthe general elections held on Thursday, an election official announced here Sunday.

    "I declare Bingu wa Mutharika the winner," said James Kalaile, chairman of the Malawi Electoral Commission. Enditem