By Burnett Munthali
Registrar of Political Parties Kizito Tenthani has issued a stern warning to all political parties that any violations of campaign rules during the current election period will attract serious consequences.
Speaking at the official launch of the campaign period for the September 16 General Election in Lilongwe today, Tenthani made it clear that the Political Parties Code of Conduct now carries the full force of the law.
He emphasized that the days of treating the code as a mere guideline are over, and that enforcement measures are now legally binding and actionable.
Tenthani cited several examples of conduct that could put political parties in direct conflict with the law.
Among these are carrying weapons to political rallies and delivering inflammatory or harmful speeches from the podium.
He also addressed the growing trend of political bouncers wearing police uniforms, stating categorically that such acts are strictly prohibited.
Tenthani further warned political parties against removing or defacing each other’s campaign materials, a practice that has previously triggered violent confrontations.
He also discouraged parties from holding rallies close to each other, pointing out that such scheduling could lead to unnecessary clashes and instability.
Mass booking of venues with the aim of blocking rival parties from campaigning, Tenthani said, is another tactic that will not be tolerated under the new legal framework.
Additionally, he outlined further restrictions, including the ban on campaigning at funerals or within religious institutions such as churches.
Tenthani reminded political parties of their obligation to inform either the district commissioner or the police before holding any rally.
His remarks underscore the importance of maintaining peace, order, and mutual respect during the campaign period.
As the campaign season heats up, today’s warning serves as a strong reminder that political competition must remain within the boundaries of the law.
With these new enforcement measures in place, the Registrar’s office is sending a clear message: electoral misconduct will not be ignored.
