New law curbs political spending

Malawi has passed a law that will ban politicians using cash payments and other incentives to buy support ahead of key polls due in May next year. The Political Parties Act, which came into force this weekend, will see candidates convicted of improperly swaying the electorate face fines of up to $13 600 or five years in prison. A report on the News24 site notes that campaign materials including posters, leaflets and clothing will be exempt from the new law. Malawi goes to the polls in presidential, parliamentary and council elections on 21 May and former President Joyce Banda will face off against current President Peter Mutharika. Mutharika has become embroiled in a graft scandal after it emerged specialist corruption detectives were investigating a suspect police rations procurement deal.

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