* Alleges that Chakwera is handing out K50,000 to participants of the ‘citizen engagements’ while urging the recipients to recognise it as a token that must not influence their vote
* Issues a serious warning to Chakwera that after September 16 — if he loses the election — he should be prepared to face the consequences of his actions under the law
By Duncan Mlanjira
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has described President Lazarus Chakwera’s ‘citizen engagements’ as “nothing more than a misuse of public funds intended to sway political loyalty and influence public perception” — ahead of the September 16 tripartite elections, whose official campaign period opens from July 14.
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“We unequivocally condemn the actions of President Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration in their misguided ‘citizen engagements’,” says the DPP’s statement, entitled ‘Democracy Under Threat-We Condemn Chakwera’s Misuse of Public Resources for Vote Rigging — issued by the Party’s presidential spokesperson & national publicity secretary, Shadric Namalomba.
Namalomba alleges that Chakwera is handing out K50,000 to participants of the ‘citizen engagements’, saying Malawians “deserve better [as the handouts] are a superficial gesture that fails to address the fundamental needs of the citizens”.
“It neither resolves the high cost of living nor provides lasting solutions to the problems of government-induced hunger, skyrocketing poverty, and rampant youth unemployment.
“These are the issues that should demand the full attention of any conscientious government — a government that seeks the welfare of its people above the entrenchment of its own power.”
Shadric Namalomba
The DPP contends that “the credibility of the forthcoming elections is at stake due to the involvement of civil servants, who are being invited to the State House and will directly participate in the administration of the September 16 tripartite elections”.
“This situation poses a serious threat to the integrity of our electoral process. Moreover, the current administration seems to foster an environment of corruption, ignoring pressing concerns such as the dilapidation of road infrastructure, the decline in health services, and the economic instability that affects us all.
“These failings stand as a testament to misplaced priorities, and they demand immediate attention and action. We remind President Chakwera that his focus should be on uplifting the lives of Malawians, not engaging in political theater.
“The electorate deserves transparency, integrity, and real solutions to their daily struggles, not temporary appeasements.”
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The DPP thus demands of Chakwera to “stop this bribery and misuse of public resources immediately” as his actions “are stirring public anger: “Misuse of power cannot be hidden behind the shield of state immunity.”
Namalombwa further issues a serious warning to Chakwera that after September 16 — if he loses the election — he should “be prepared to face the consequences of [his] actions under the law”.
“To those who receive the State House money, we urge you to recognise it for what it is — a token that must not influence your vote. Accept it if you must, but let not its receipt bind your conscience.
“The future of our nation and the well-being of our communities hinge on an informed and unwavering decision-making process come election day.”
On the part of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the Registrar of Political Parties, the DPP asks them “to ensure that all electoral laws and the Political Parties Act are fully enforced without bias.
“Additionally, we urge civil society and international observers to remain vigilant in protecting our democratic institutions and processes. The manipulated engagements by the current administration are detrimental to democratic integrity, and we must unite to ensure the sanctity and fairness of our electoral process.
“The DPP remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering democracy, promoting transparency, and improving the lives of all Malawians. We stand with the people, ready to address the real issues and lead with honesty and purpose.
The official 60 days campaign period — that permits candidates and political parties to freely canvass for votes, in accordance provisions of the Political Parties Act and the rules and regulations set by MEC in accordance with the existing electoral laws — will start from July 14 and will close on September 14 at 06h00.
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And following the re-run of the Presidential Election in 2020 that disturbed the electoral calendar — in which Members of Parliament (MPs) have served for six years instead of five — the Electoral Laws were amended and one part is the dissolution of the National Assembly that stands on the 23rd day of July in the fifth year after its election.
The polling day for the general elections is officially Tuesday in the third week of September of the fifth year — and meanwhile, the 50+1% of the valid votes cast through direct, universal and equal suffrage stands as official in the amended Electoral Laws for the September 16 presidential election.
And where such majority is not obtained by any candidate in the first poll, a second poll will be held within 60 days after the declaration of the result in which the candidates who obtained the highest votes cast in the first poll shall be the only candidates.
