Government silent as allegations of state resource use in campaigns surface

A survey by the organisation Chisankho Watch on the progress of political campaigning for the September 16 elections, conducted during the first two weeks since the official launch on July 14 this year, has found that some politicians are using government resources for their campaigns.

The survey cites an example in which some people in Lilongwe were transported in government vehicles to meet the country’s leader, Lazarus Chakwera, at the State House, where each person allegedly received K50,000.

It also found that some politicians and political parties are distributing money and goods to people, even though this is prohibited by election laws.

Despite these concerns, the organisation commended the presence of police at campaign events and the ongoing efforts by various groups to educate the public about the elections.

The organisation has urged stakeholders, including the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), to ensure politicians do not use government resources for campaigning.

Meanwhile, the government, through its spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu, did not respond to phone calls requesting comment on the alleged use of state resources for campaign purposes.

However, political analyst George Chaima said the law should be applied to anyone who violates electoral regulations.