By Anthony Midwa Manda:
One month after Malawi’s general elections on September 16, a troubling trend continues to cast a shadow over the country’s democratic process.
Despite clear provisions in the Political Parties Act of 2018 prohibiting the distribution of political handouts, major parties are allegedly offering cash, food, and other goods to entice voters — a practice that threatens to turn democracy into a marketplace.
Section 27 of the Political Parties Act explicitly bans political parties from giving out handouts during campaign rallies.
Yet, eyewitnesses and community members say the law is being openly flouted by major political players including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Malawi Congress Party (MCP), People’s Party (PP), and People’s Development Party (PDP).
John Khulive from Zomba says he was promised K100,000 to attend an MCP rally in Mangochi but only received K4,000.
“We were told we’d be paid well, but they gave us only four thousand kwacha, which was not what we agreed on. They forgot that we are the ones who were going to vote,” Khulive said.
Similarly, Esther Katumbu, a 35-year-old woman from Chomba Village in Mangochi, received flour and salt from Mangochi malombe constituency shadow Mp for Peoples Party (PP) Ivy Faith Sande during the campaign period.
“I didn’t know receiving such gifts is wrong,” she said. “This is the only time we benefit, because after elections they disappear.”
In Kasungu, villagers like Loyce Manda received two bags of maize distributed by local leaders — an act seen as an attempt to influence votes ahead of the polls.
“We thought this was Mtukula Pakhomo, which we were supposed to receive in January,” she said. “But to our surprise, we received the maize in September, just two weeks before elections.”
In Blantyre’s Chemusa Township, tensions erupted when supporters returning from a PDP rally fought over unfulfilled cash promises.
“The truck stopped to drop off supporters, but they were shocked not to receive the promised K5,000. That’s when the misunderstanding started,” an eyewitness said.
Findings by Chisankho Watch, a coalition of civil society groups on elections observer team indicated that the official campaign period for the September 16 General Election was marred by intimidation, widespread violence vote-buying and creation of political ‘no-go zones.
The report showed that there were targeted electoral malpractices and documented eight verified critical incidents and widespread systemic issues such as handouts and abuse of State resources across multiple districts.
Chisankho Watch board chairperson Gilford Matonga told the Nation Newspaper in July that while the incidents were not uniform nationwide, they represent dangerous hotspots.
On handouts, the report said 16 percent of observers recorded candidates or parties distributing money, food, or gifts at rallies. The practice was specifically noted in Lilongwe, Nkhata Bay, Blantyre, Salima, Mwanza and Balaka.
Speaking at Mzoma in Mzimba district during a political debate for members of parliament in August this year, National Initiative for Civic education NICE public trust executive director Grey Kalindakafe also shared his concerns on handouts from politicians during the campaign period stating that it is against the electoral laws.
However, Registrar of Political Parties, Kizito Tenthani, confirmed receiving numerous complaints related to campaign handouts.
“We have received over 180 complaints related to handouts and other campaign violations. Investigations are underway, and some cases have already been resolved. We’ll share our findings with the country soon,” Tenthani said.
Legal expert Dr. Bernadette Malunga expressed concern over the lack of enforcement, saying that failure to act will only encourage future violations.
“What the registrar does now will set a precedent for future elections. There must be proper investigations and consequences,” she emphasized.
Political and governance commentator Dr. George Chaima went further, warning that corruption has become normalized in Malawi’s politics.
“The problem is we’re normalizing corruption. If the law were enforced, people would fear breaking it. We need leaders chosen for their vision, not their wallets,” Dr. Chaima said.
The high cost of running political campaigns in Malawi — estimated at over K50 million for viable candidates — has created an uneven playing field. Only those with significant financial resources can compete effectively, leaving capable but poorer candidates sidelined. These dynamic risks transforming elections into auctions where wealth, not merit, determines leadership.
In Mangochi South Constituency, DPP’s Ibrahim Mtukanika Rodrick has contested election results, alleging that the winning candidate, Bilal Mussa Tambuli, engaged in unlawful practices. This is just one of many cases now before the courts, as candidates seek justice over alleged electoral misconduct.
Vote-buying is not unique to Malawi. Across Africa — in countries like Nigeria and Kenya — politicians frequently use handouts to manipulate voters. The pattern reflects a deeper problem: the commodification of democracy itself.
Experts say Malawi must strengthen the enforcement of the Political Parties Act, prosecute offenders, and invest in civic education to empower voters to reject transactional politics. Until then, Malawi’s democracy remains vulnerable to manipulation — and its elections for sale to the highest bidder.
