Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has asked political parties in Kasungu District to uphold the Electoral Code of Conduct and abandon the culture of handouts ahead of the September 16 General Election.
Addressing stakeholders during a Multiparty Liaison Committee Meeting at Chankhanga Community Day Secondary School, Kasungu district elections officer Funny Chamba condemned unruly campaign tactics that undermine democracy and fuel political tensions.
She cited the use of vulgar language and the destruction of campaign materials such as posters as triggers of conflicts.
Said Chamba: “This is the time for political parties to sell their manifestos to people, not to insult rivals or fan violence.
“The Electoral Code of Conduct is clear that handouts are banned. Parties that ignore these rules risk dragging the district into chaos.”
Kasungu Peace and Unity Committee chairperson Hastings Kalima vowed to work with MEC and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to enforce discipline.
“We will not tolerate violence or handouts. Our commitment is to ensure that every political player respects the law so that Kasungu delivers peaceful, free and fair elections,” he said.
On his part, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) director of elections (Centre) Curlington Jimu commended MEC and the Registrar of Political Parties for their proactive role in enlightening political stakeholders about the code of conduct.
“We commend MEC for imparting knowledge and instilling discipline. Their tireless efforts are strengthening Malawi’s democracy and ensuring that campaign remains issue based,” he said.
The Electoral Code of Conduct, enforced by MEC and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, bans the use of abusive language, destruction of campaign materials, distribution of handouts and misuse of government resources during campaign.
