The United States says it wants to see a transfer of power in Malawi, following the apparent death of the country's president.

Malawi's government has not confirmed the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika, who is reported to have died of a heart attack Thursday.

The U.S. State Department said Friday that Washington expects Malawi to observe its constitution, which lays out a clear path for succession. The statement says the U.S. trusts that the vice president, who is next in line, will be sworn in soon.

Vice President Joyce Banda has clashed with Mr. Mutharika in the past. He expelled her from the ruling party in 2010 and she formed her own political party, while remaining vice president.