Pressure is mounting over a major ESCOM procurement process, with allegations of political interference triggering growing calls for a full-scale investigation into how the deal was handled.
The Centre for Public Accountability and Development (CPAD) says it has obtained what it describes as credible reports and documentary evidence suggesting possible external political interference in a procurement process undertaken by the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi.
Speaking at a press briefing in Salima on Monday, Griffin Maruwasa, CPAD National Coordinator alleges that a company which had initially emerged as the successful bidder in a competitive process was later affected by external objections that did not originate from official procurement structures.
“If these allegations are confirmed, they represent a serious assault on the principles of transparency, accountability, fair competition, and the rule of law,” said Maruwasa. “Public procurement is not a political favour. It is a legal process governed by laws, regulations, and principles designed to ensure fairness, value for money, and equal opportunity for all participants.”
Maruwasa, argues that procurement involving public resources must remain strictly merit-based, transparent, and protected from political or external influence.
CPAD cites Section 30 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, which requires transparency, accountability, fairness, and open competition in all procurement proceedings.
It also references Section 44(2), which states that bids must be evaluated strictly according to criteria set out in the bidding documents, without outside interference.
Maruwasa further says the allegations raise urgent questions, including whether procurement procedures were fully followed, whether a winning bidder was unfairly sidelined, and whether political considerations influenced the final outcome.
“We therefore call upon ESCOM, the relevant public authorities, and all oversight institutions to cooperate fully with any investigations that may be undertaken and to provide the public with clear explanations regarding the procurement process in question,” Muruwasa added.
CPAD has announced plans to petition the Competition and Fair Trading Commission, the Competition and Fair Trading Commission, to examine whether competition laws were breached.
It further intends to engage the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority to conduct a full review of the procurement process.
CPAD maintains it is not targeting any specific company but is pushing for a transparent, lawful, and competitive procurement system.
It has urged ESCOM and oversight bodies to cooperate fully with any investigations, warning that failure to address the allegations could deepen public mistrust in public procurement systems.
CPAD has since vowed to monitor this matter closely and pursue all lawful avenues necessary, saying it wants to ensure that the principles of accountability, fairness and good governance are upheld.
