Kamuzu Banda was the first President of Malawi, serving from 1964 until 1994. He played a significant role in the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1964. Banda was known for his authoritarian leadership style and implemented policies that centralized power in his hands. Under his rule, Malawi experienced economic growth, but it came at the cost of political repression and human rights violations. Banda's government was characterized by a lack of political pluralism, and he maintained control through a one-party system. In 1993, a referendum led to the end of his presidency and the establishment of multiparty democracy.