Malawi's election watchdog flags vote-buying, abuse of state resources in 2025 polls

In its final election observation report, the commission said government vehicles and staff from public institutions were used to support the ruling party's campaign activities, which blurred the line between state duties and partisan politics. Vehicles from departments, including the Ministry of Information and the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, were reportedly deployed for campaign events.

The report also claims that traditional leaders, religious figures, teachers and other civil servants were transported to state residences in major cities, where they allegedly received cash payments of about 50,000 kwacha each, along with meals, during the campaign period.

Beyond state resources, the commission documented direct inducements to voters. In one constituency, a candidate was observed distributing bags of maize to residents, while other areas saw widespread cash handouts. Several of these cases are now the subject of court disputes.

The watchdog said Malawi’s laws remain unclear on what constitutes an illegal “handout”, allowing politicians to disguise vote-buying as charity. It has urged lawmakers to tighten the law to prevent abuse.

The commission also expressed alarm over the involvement of children in campaigns. It reported seeing children as young as six wearing party regalia and performing for candidates, raising concerns about child protection and safeguarding.

Gender inequality in politics was another key issue highlighted in the report. Only one woman contested the presidency out of 17 candidates, while women made up just 22 percent of parliamentary candidates.

The Human Rights Commission has called for reforms to strengthen the independence of the state broadcaster, improve access to national identification services, and create a more transparent electoral system.