The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has raised alarm over loopholes in the Political Parties Act, warning that current loopholes are allowing politicians to indirectly offer handouts, thereby undermining efforts to promote clean and fair elections.

NICE Trust Executive Director, Grey Kalindekafe, said while the law explicitly prohibits political parties and candidates from giving voters money, gifts, or goods in exchange for support, it still permits indirect forms of inducement such as transport refunds and branded campaign materials. These, he said, are often exploited as subtle handouts to influence voters.

“The definition of a handout in the law is narrow and allows exemptions,” said Kalindekafe. “Politicians can easily take advantage of these gaps to continue offering incentives that sway voters.”

Kalindekafe added that NICE has started civic educating Citizens, warning them about the dangers of giving and receiving handouts and to encourage them to report such incidents.

He clarified that, according to the Political Parties Act, complaints related to handouts must be directed to the Registrar of Political Parties, not the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), as many people believe.

Registrar of Political Parties, Kizito Tenthani, acknowledged the challenges, pointing out that this is the first election cycle where the Political Parties Act is being enforced by a dedicated Registrar’s office.

“people should appreciate two things: first we can not have a perfect law and secondly this is the first time that the Political Parties Act is being used in an election with the Office of the Registrar in place.” said Tenthani.

He however said this is not the time to be looking at the gaps but rather focusing the energies in telling the people what the law says, and work together to ensure that the intentions of the law are realized.

Political analyst Victor Chipofya echoed the concerns, warning that Malawi’s harsh economic conditions make voters more vulnerable to manipulation through disguised handouts.