Chiefs accused of demanding handouts from aspirants
A representative of Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Happy Mhango, has alleged that some traditional leaders are demanding handouts from female aspirants in the run-up to the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections.
Speaking on Saturday at St Andrew’s Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) in Mzuzu during the evaluation of the 50:50 Campaign, he said the tendency of asking for handouts from women aspirants discourages them from taking part in politics.
“Asking for handouts from political aspirants is illegal as the tendency creates unfair political ground for contenders,” Mhango said.
But speaking on behalf of other chiefs, Senior Chief Mtwalo of Mzimba advised the aspirants to report such chiefs, saying the tendencies are tantamount to corruption.
In his remarks, 50:50 Campaign Management Agency monitoring, evaluation and learning manager Chawezi Tembo said his organisation would continue working with its partners to ensure that the political ground is favourable to both male and female aspirants.