Money changes hands during party primaries as candidates push for nominations. Reports say Democratic Progressive Party hopeful Veronica Ndalama gave MK50,000 to each of 300 delegates in South Lunzu Constituency. She also promised them MK150,000 more after her win, but has not paid it. Her rival, Shadreck Banda, reportedly handed out MK15,000 per delegate with a promise of MK100,000 shopping vouchers later.
These practices spread beyond South Lunzu to Blantyre City South-West and Thyolo-Thava constituencies. Party member Leonard Chimbanga posted on Facebook about his worry that unfair primaries might drive voters toward independent candidates. He warned that greed would hurt the party because voters will make their real choice on election day, regardless.
The party has not addressed these bribery claims publicly. Critics call for fair competition where delegates can choose freely without cash influence. Similar problems occurred during previous election cycles, but persist despite reform promises from party leadership. The primaries continue across the country ahead of the September 2025 general election.
These practices spread beyond South Lunzu to Blantyre City South-West and Thyolo-Thava constituencies. Party member Leonard Chimbanga posted on Facebook about his worry that unfair primaries might drive voters toward independent candidates. He warned that greed would hurt the party because voters will make their real choice on election day, regardless.
The party has not addressed these bribery claims publicly. Critics call for fair competition where delegates can choose freely without cash influence. Similar problems occurred during previous election cycles, but persist despite reform promises from party leadership. The primaries continue across the country ahead of the September 2025 general election.
