The recent hike in parliamentary nomination fees by the Malawi Electoral Commission
(MEC) has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the justification of this move.
The fees are expected to raise over K3 billion, based on an average of 4 candidates per
constituency. This is a staggering amount, especially considering that MEC is a
statutory body funded by taxpayers and supported financially by local and international
bodies.
It appears that MEC is shifting its focus from its core function of running elections to
fundraising. The hefty fees have raised concerns about the potential for abuse of public
funds.
The Ministry of Finance and other relevant authorities need to step in and monitor this
income line to ensure transparency and accountability. Public funds, by law, need to be
channeled through government Account No 1, and institutions should not be allowed
to create unmonitored accounts.
This situation has sparked debate about the impact of high nomination fees on
democratic participation. In nearby Zimbabwe, a similar increase in fees led to
criticism that it would disenfranchise marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and
people with disabilities.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s decision to increase nomination fees by 1,900%
was seen as a barrier to participation in the electoral process.
In Malawi, the MEC’s move has raised questions about its capacity to manage the
increased funds. With the country facing economic challenges, it is essential to ensure
that public funds are used judiciously and for the intended purposes.
The government must take steps to address the concerns of all stakeholders, including
opposition parties and independent candidates, to ensure that the elections are
credible and reflect the will of the people.
As the electoral process unfolds, it is crucial to prioritize transparency, accountability,
and inclusivity. The MEC must ensure that the nomination fees do not become a barrier
to participation in the democratic process.
The government and relevant authorities must monitor the use of public funds to
prevent abuse and ensure that the elections are free, fair, and credible.
