Political figures sponsoring sporting tournaments across Malawi are scrambling to complete prize presentations before Sunday’s 6:00 AM campaign deadline, following strict directives from the Malawi Electoral Commission.
The commission’s Saturday evening announcement has created urgency for politicians who have been backing local tournaments in their constituencies. With less than 12 hours remaining before the campaign window closes, many are rushing to present trophies and prizes to winning teams and athletes.
MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja made it clear that any prize presentations by political figures after Sunday morning would be considered illegal campaigning outside the regulated period.
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“The campaign period will be closed on Sunday morning at 6:00AM. No any candidate or parties will be allowed to do campaigns after that. This also includes candidates who are organizing tournaments in their constituencies, they should make sure that they present the prizes before the stated time as doing it after the stated time is illegal,” she said.
During campaign period, candidates always organize Several football tournaments, netball competitions, and athletics as one of campaigning.
constituency-level sporting events where MPs and aspiring candidates have been prominent sponsors throughout the campaign period. Many tournaments that traditionally conclude with elaborate ceremonies featuring political speeches are now being forced into hurried, scaled-down presentations.
Meanwhile, Walter Nyamilandu has beaten the deadline as
Nsanje Medicals FC have been crowned champions of the Walter Nyamilandu K12m Trophy, defeating their reserve side, Mbeta Football Club, 5-4 on penalties.
The match ended 1-1 in regular time, with Charity Moses scoring for Nsanje Medicals in the 28th minute and Elias Mutholo equalising for Mbeta in the 63rd minute.
Goalkeeper Andsen Chekani starred, saving a penalty from Harry Ben, while his teammates converted all their spot-kicks, delighting coach Chimwemwe Nyakamera.
Sponsor Walter Nyamilandu praised all 78 teams for participating peacefully.
Nsanje Boma zone chairperson, Bosco Valeta, thanked the sponsor for providing jerseys, balls, and other sporting equipment.
As champions, Nsanje Medicals FC took home K400,000, a kit, and the trophy, while runners-up Mbeta received K300,000. Other funds were directed to netball, under-19 teams, bawo, game of pool, and sporting equipment.
Additional Report by Martin Gela Jr
Featured image: Walter Nyamilandu who beats the target
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