By Wadza Botomani
The Registrar of Political Parties in Malawi, Dr. Kizito Tenthani, has deployed teams across the country to educate aspiring candidates and the public on the dangers of campaign handouts, warning that the practice undermines free and fair elections.
Speaking at a sensitization meeting in Mchinji District on Tuesday, Tenthani emphasized that the distribution of handouts distorts voters’ freedom of choice, often leading them to support candidates without clear development agendas.
“Handouts manipulate the electorate and violate democratic principles,” Tenthani said. “We urge voters to choose leaders based on their vision for development, not short-term incentives.”
He called on District Elections Supervisory Teams (DEST), traditional leaders, and stakeholders to work together in curbing electoral malpractice ahead of the September 16 tripartite elections.
Mchinji District Commissioner Lucia Chidalengwa welcomed the initiative, urging candidates to immediately stop giving handouts or face legal consequences. Senior Chief Dambe and Chidalengwa pledged to spread the message within their communities.
The meeting brought together candidates from registered parties, independent aspirants, and election monitors to reinforce compliance with the 2018 Political Parties Act, which prohibits vote-buying tactics.
