Opposition front-runner John Tembo received about 1.2 million votes, the Electoral Commission said.

CNN: Malawi's Mutharika wins second term

Muluzi campaigned for Mutharika in the previous election but supported Tembo this year.

CNN: Malawi's Mutharika wins second term

Tembo vowed to challenge the results, citing vote irregularities, local media reported.

CNN: Malawi's Mutharika wins second term

In his most famous case, he defended former Vice-President Lt-Gen Christon Tembo and others who were charged in 1989 with plotting to overthrow Kenneth Kaunda.

BBC: Zambia's president dies in France

John Tembo, veteran leader of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), says he is happy with the president's first 100 days when it comes to corruption.

BBC: Bingu wa Mutharika

"(The) Malawi Congress Party ... will not accept the results if Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party are declared winners in these elections, " the opposition party said in a statement signed by Tembo late Thursday, according to Malawi's Daily Times.

CNN: Malawi's Mutharika wins second term