It will also be Malawi's first tripartite elections, meaning that it is the first time the people of Malawi will vote for their local government, members of parliament and President in a single election.
The election campaign has, for the most part, been peaceful and voting day is also expected to be peaceful. The election observers have arrived and been around in Nkhotakota for a while. The Norwegian Embassy anticipates fair elections. Norwegian Ambassador Asbjørn Eidhammer expressed joy at the Constitution Day celebrations at his residence, that during the past 20 years of democratic dispensation, Malawians have become better organised in making elections freer and more credible, which meet international standards. And that is no easy task for one of the poorest countries in the world.
Its truly been an interesting time to be in Malawi. The last months have been highly coloured by the election campaigns with huge trucks and busses carrying dancing people, flags and loud-speakers driving through the towns day and night. Typically the candidates hand out free t-shirts, caps, food and the like to gain supporters.
Norway funds a voter and civic education campaign in all prisons across the country in response to the standing ban on political campaigning within the prison walls. Campaigning officially closed at 6 am yesterday, 48 hours before polling day. It is believed that it is going to be a close race so the next few days are going to be very exciting.
The biggest parties are:
The Peoples Party - ruling party with President Dr. Joyce Banda. She has refused to participate in all the Presidental Debates and is the candidate who by far has had the most money to spend on the campaign.
Cashgate and Jetgate are terms associated with the current government and has become terms people use for jokes.
Cashgate is the biggest financial scandal in Malawi and its estimated that up to US 250 million may have been lost. Allegations of the massive looting of government money became public following the shooting of the finance ministry's then budget director Paul Mphwiyo in September 2013. Direct budget funding from donors and relations with donors was affected as a result of the corruption.
The Jetgate scandal is the story of the President selling the presidental jet to fly commercial and cut costs, but the money for the sale to the South African company Bohnox Enterprises has never been seen. The allegations are that of the President used the money to settle debt. The price was US 15 million. The money was supposed to be used on the following: US 5.8 mill to the Malawian Denfence Force, US 4.2 mill to the farm input loan programme, US 4 mill for buying medical drugs and 1 mill for procurement for maize and legumes. It seems the President is still using the same aircraft but it has been painted and given new registration numbers. Go figure!
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with presidental candidate Peter Mutharika. His brother was the ruling president in the years 2004- 2012.
Malawi Democratic Party (MCP) with presidental candidate Lazarus Chakwera.
United Democratic Front (UDF) with presidental candidate Atupele Muluzi.
Some pictures from the campaigning in Nkhotakota and Lilongwe.
Outside our office People's Party supporters.
MCP supporters in the streets of Nkhotakota.
Peoples Party supporters in Lilongwe
UDF supporters in Lilongwe.Wishing Malawian good luck with the elections tomorrow!
