The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has advised candidates in Dedza Mtakataka Constituency against vote-buying ahead of the March 17 by-election.
Registrar Kizito Tenthani said this on Friday during a meeting with the contestants and local leaders at Mankhamba in the district.
meeting. I Brian Chigumula
He said his office received close to 200 cases during the September 16 2025 General Election, but most of them lacked evidence.
“Some of the people we are looking into are current members of Parliament and others lost the election,” said Tenthani.
He said four of the cases are with the Director of Public Prosecutions, pending a decision on whether they will proceed to court.
Tenthani emphasised that laws against handouts remain in force, despite perceptions that they are weak or ineffective. He clarified that handouts typically involve items or cash given to individuals or groups to influence their vote, rather than benefitting the community as a whole.
“To report a handout, we need the type of handout, recipient, date, time and place. We need the reporter’s name too, but they can request anonymity,” he said.
Senior Chief Kachindamoto commended the Registrar’s Office for raising awareness about the law, noting that it promotes inclusivity in elections.
“This law is inclusive. Anyone is now free to take part. Previously, some potential contestants were discouraged from contesting because they could not afford handouts,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mtakataka Police Station has urged candidates to share their campaign rally schedules in advance to help maintain peace and order during the by-election.
Tenthani speaking during the meeting
