The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has disclosed that it has received 36 complaints about politicians giving handouts in the country.

This comes as some stakeholders including candidates continue to raise concerns over the conduct of certain political parties and other candidates who are allegedly distributing handouts, despite the Political Parties Act banning the practice.

Speaking in an interview with Zodiak Online, Kizito Tenthani, Registrar of Political Parties, said his office is currently scrutinizing the complaints before taking the next step.

Tenthani further appealed to all stakeholders to continue reporting any kind of malpractice, saying this will help his office address the issue of handouts more effectively.

However, Tenthani also urged candidates who feel their opponents are engaging in the practice not to just complain, but to report them to his office.

Meanwhile, Benedicto Kondowe, Chairperson of the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has asked the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to act swiftly on the complaints and ensure that those involved face the law.

With the campaign officially opened on July 14 by the Malawi Electoral Commission, many political parties are busy campaigning until September 14.

(Written By: Alex Batison)