CMD Asks Political Parties to Reveal their Sources of Funds

Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) has asked political parties contesting in May 21 tripartite elections to reveal sources of their private funding of the campaign.

CMD Executive Director Kizito Tenthani has said political parties have a Political Parties Act obligation which allows political parties to disclose sources of their private funding for the campaign.

Tenthani made these remarks in Mzuzu during the launch of the voter education by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

He further added that revealing information on those funding the campaign it would help the public and the media to root out cases of undue influence of donors.

“The law does not want parties to benefit from proceeds of crime,” Tenthani said.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Transformation Movement (UTM) among other parties have expressed their readiness to disclose how their parties are being financed.

Tenthani further added that candidates who are setting up football bonanzas in their areas are at the point of infringing the act as the dynamics of campaigning have change this year.

“If you ask people to vote for you when awarding prizes at your football bonanza, you can be at risk of breaking this law,” he said.

In his words Tenthani said the new law is prohibiting politicians from using any form of handouts or donations to lure voters.