By Comrade jumbe
Tiri mu nyengo ya miyambi pa chichewa Pali mawu” Ali dere n’kulinga utayenda Naye”
In the pursuit of democracy, there lies a sacred duty to ensure that every voice, no matter how humble or mighty, is heard.
Democracy, as we know, is a tree watered by the hands of every citizen. Yet, when barriers are placed to guard its trunk, it becomes evident that those in power may wish only to keep its fruit for themselves.
We strongly condemn the recent actions of the Malawi Electoral Commission, which has imposed an outrageous 10 million kwacha nomination fee for presidential candidates, erecting a wall of privilege around the highest office in the land.
This is not democracy, but a gatekeeping of the worst kind, a deliberate act to kill the spirit of inclusion and progress.
“When the cow grazes freely, even the smallest bird eats to its fill.” But today, the Malawi Electoral Commission has locked the fields with a fence too high for most of our people to cross.
By imposing these fees, they have turned democracy into a plaything for the wealthy elite, shutting out Malawians who carry the dreams and hopes of the common person.
It is clear this hefty price tag does not reflect the will of the people but rather the will of those who seek to drown out voices that challenge their comfort and control.
This move betrays the founding principle of democracy — that every Malawian, rich or poor, has an equal right to lead and shape the future.
The Malawi Congress Party, in this situation, has tainted the sanctity of our democratic process. “When a fish rots, it starts from the head,” and here we see how the leadership of the Malawi Electoral Commission, chaired by those whose hearts beat solely for MCP, is pushing our nation toward a democracy only for the rich.
We call upon Malawians to unite against this injustice. Let our voices ring as a bell of truth to awaken the spirit of our forefathers who fought tirelessly for our independence and rights.
“The fool ignores the termite, thinking it harmless, until the whole house collapses.
” If we allow this unjust fee to stand, we risk a generation of leaders silenced, locked out, and forgotten.
Now is the time for action. Let us demand a fair electoral commission that serves not the interests of a few, but the rights of all Malawians.
We call for the disbandment of this current commission, for it has shown its colors clearly and cannot be trusted to safeguard our democracy.
We demand fair, reasonable fees that allow all citizens to participate. Let no price be placed on the right to lead, for democracy should never be for sale.
To all Malawians, stand firm and raise your voices, for “a united people is stronger than a mountain.” This is our country, our democracy, and together, we can ensure it remains a land of freedom and opportunity for all.
My Pen is mightier than a sword
