The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has declared its readiness to fully implement the section of the Political Parties Act that prohibits political party leaders from distributing goods or materials to members of the public as a way of soliciting support during the campaign period. This announcement comes as Malawi prepares to enter the official campaign season, which is expected to commence on Monday.
The Registrar of Political Parties, Mr. Kizito Tenthani, emphasized that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure the smooth enforcement of this law. He noted that the office will begin conducting public awareness campaigns across various regions of the country to sensitize both political leaders and the general public about the provisions of the law.
“The Political Parties Act of 2018 clearly prohibits any act of inducement, including the distribution of gifts or goods by political party officials, with the aim of gaining political support,” said Mr. Tenthani. “Our office is committed to upholding this law, and we have put in place mechanisms to monitor and respond to such activities if reported.”
According to the Act, individuals and organizations are encouraged to report any incidents of political leaders engaging in these practices. If found guilty, offenders will be subjected to appropriate legal sanctions as stipulated in the legislation.
Mr. Tenthani further stated that ORPP will begin immediate community outreach initiatives this week, engaging political parties, their leaders, and the electorate to promote understanding and compliance. He stressed that the office will operate independently and impartially, ensuring that the law is applied equally to all political players without favoritism.
This renewed effort reflects ORPP’s commitment to promoting ethical political conduct, fairness, and a level playing field for all parties as Malawi moves into a highly anticipated electoral season.
The Office is also calling upon citizens to remain vigilant and report any violations they observe. ORPP assures the public that all complaints will be investigated thoroughly and treated with the seriousness they deserve.
Through this action, the ORPP hopes to cultivate a culture of issue-based politics and eliminate vote-buying practices that have long plagued Malawi’s democratic processes