President accused of buying political loyalty
Publish date: 09 June 2025
Issue Number: 1129
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Malawi
President Lazarus Chakwera is facing growing accusations of using public funds to buy political loyalty as Malawi heads into a crucial election season. According to Malawi24, what his administration calls ‘citizen engagements’ are being denounced by critics as calculated cash-for-support campaigns, designed to manipulate public opinion and silence dissent ahead of the 2025 general elections. In recent weeks, Chakwera has held a series of secretive meetings with chiefs, religious leaders, teachers, and civil servants. Reports from inside these meetings suggest that cash handouts were distributed – and that many participants, once critical of the government, have since changed their tune. ‘This is not governance. It is bribery with taxpayers’ money,’ one critic declared. ‘Malawi is being looted in the name of leadership.’ These allegations point to a disturbing trend: the ruling Malawi Congress Party may be using the power of the public purse to build an artificial wave of support. From traditional authorities to civil servants, voices that once demanded accountability have gone quiet – replaced by carefully staged endorsements and declarations of loyalty. ‘These are not legitimate consultations. These are payouts masked as outreach,’ said a political observer. ‘Malawi deserves leadership, not manipulation.’ The Chakwera administration has yet to explain where the money is coming from or why these meetings are hidden from public view.