By Comrade jumbe
The cracks in our democracy have never been more evident than they are today.
The very systems designed to empower the people have been hijacked by individuals with wealth, leaving those with genuine visions for our country sidelined.
This growing inequality has made it painfully clear: our democracy is no longer accessible to all. Instead, it appears to be a playground for the rich, where money holds more weight than integrity and meaningful ideas.
Take, for instance, the exorbitant fees set by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for candidates wishing to contest in the upcoming elections.
These fees are not justifiable, nor are they in the best interests of the majority of Malawians. By placing such high financial barriers, the MEC has effectively locked out the poor from participating in their own democracy.
This is unacceptable. Democracy should be about equal opportunity, not about who can afford to pay the price of entry.
It’s disheartening to witness individuals in the ruling party buying voters and securing their way into parliament and other influential positions through financial power. Is this what democracy has become—a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder?
The actions of these moneyed individuals are not only undermining the principles of democracy but also robbing citizens of leaders with genuine agendas and a passion for serving the country.
Meanwhile, the voices of those who truly care about Malawi’s future are being silenced.
The real visionaries—the ones who have the solutions to uplift our nation—are being excluded because they cannot afford to play the expensive game of politics.
This system perpetuates a cycle of poverty and exclusion, where only the wealthy can participate, leaving the poor with no representation.
Fellow Malawians, the time has come to change the way we run our democracy.
We must demand reforms that create a level playing field for all.
Let us fight for a system that values ideas over wealth, integrity over influence, and inclusivity over exclusivity.
We cannot allow the status quo to continue. Let us stand together and demand a democracy that truly belongs to the people—a democracy where everyone, regardless of their financial status, has the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of our country.
It is time to reclaim our democracy and ensure it works for everyone, not just the privileged few.
The power is in our hands. Let us use it wisely.
My pen is mightier than a sword.
