Political parties risk deregistration, given 21 days

Political parties in Malawi risk being deregistered for not notifying the registrar of political parties of changes in their leadership within seven days of their occurrence, it has been learnt.

The warning comes at a time when the country is facing general elections next year and there will be a number of parties being born as well as the existing ones repositioning themselves.

In a notice published in newspapers at the weekend, Registrar General and Registrar of Political Parties Beauty Movete wrote: “Notice is hereby given to all registered political parties that in accordance with Section 11 of the political parties (Registration and Regulation) Act, (Cap 2:07), political parties are required to notify the Registrar of Political Parties in writing of any changes regarding address of registered office, its office bearers or in the particulars of office bearers within seven days of the occurrence of such changes.”

In an interview on Monday, Movete said the changes to be communicated to her office include those of registered particulars or in the constitution, rules or manifesto within 21 days.

Movete said the warning has been issued against a background of several political parties making changes in their leadership structures and constitutions without notifying her office.

She said: “Several parties have had conventions, but nobody has brought to our office any change. The requirement is to strike them out, but it could be that they did not know the law, hence the reminder.”

The ruling People’s Party (PP) held its convention in August last year, the United Democratic Front (UDF) in October last year whereas the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) went to the convention in April this year.

The three political parties risk deregistration if the law is followed to the letter as none of them has notified the registrar of political parties of their respective changes.

President of Maravi People’s Party (MPP) Dr Yusuf Aufi welcomed the warning, saying it helps political parties to be up and running.

His party was in the spotlight after the leadership changes which saw former party president Uladi Mussa joining PP and sought its deregistration.