The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has issued a stern warning to political parties and candidates for the May 21 tripartite elections against handouts.

MEC Commissioner Dr. Moffat Banda, stressed on the need for political parties and all candidates to observe the Political Parties Act of 2018 which among others is against the issuing of handouts.

The act stipulates that if anyone is found guilty of issuing handouts, he or she will be liable to pay a K10 million fine or in default serve a five year jail term.

Dr. Banda said so far the commission has not registered any such cases.

He however said the commission will be monitoring closely on the issue of handouts and will ensure that the law takes its course if anyone is found issuing them.

Commissioner Banda said the commission is so far satisfied with the conduct of political parties which he said are handling themselves in a civilised and peaceful manner.

The past few weeks ago eye blows were raised following four fake documents which were circulating on social media platforms which were disowned by MEC.

Commissioner Banda warned that circulation of fake information is a recipe for wrangles among people during the campaign period.

The official campaign period for the May 21, 2019 tripartite elections runs from March 19 to 6 AM on May 19, 2019.