(1902-) Malawi politician, president 1966–94. He led his country's independence movement and was prime minister of Nyasaland (the former name of Malawi) from 1963. He became Malawi's first president 1966 and was named president for life 1971; his rule was authoritarian. Having bowed to opposition pressure and opened the way for a pluralist system, Banda stood in the first free presidential elections for 30 years 1994, but was defeated by Bakili Muluzi. In 1995 he and his former aide, John Tembo, were formally charged with the murders of three senior politicians and a lawyer in 1983.
Following an overwhelming show of support for multiparty politics in a national referendum June 1993, Banda agreed to work with opposition leaders toward a multiparty system. In Oct of the same year he underwent brain surgery, temporarily handing over to a presidential council. He announced his retirement from active politics Aug 1994.