By Peter Davieson

Political analyst Chimwemwe Tsitsi has called for clear interpretation and communication of the law that prohibits handouts during the campaign period ahead of the September 16 general elections.

This follows growing concerns and complaints that some political parties have been distributing money to their supporters — a move that could potentially violate campaign regulations.

Speaking to YFM, Tsitsi emphasized the need to sensitize both political party leaders and their supporters so they can fully understand what the law permits and prohibits during the campaign period.

“For example, the law allows political parties to provide food or transport allowances to their supporters,” Tsitsi said. “However, this needs to be properly explained to avoid confusion or unintentional breaches of the law.”

The Political Parties Act of 2018 allows political parties to offer items such as food, transport, and T-shirts to their supporters, but does not permit direct cash handouts intended to influence voters.

According to Sangwani Mwafulirwa, Director of Media and Public Relations for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), the Commission does not have the mandate to interpret or enforce this law.

Mwafulirwa clarified that the responsibility lies with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, which is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Political Parties Act.

Registrar of Political Parties, Kizito Tenthani, was not immediately available for comment.