LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a revealing series of exchanges, the Registrar of Political Parties, Kizito Tenthani, has come under scrutiny for what has been described as an evasive and disrespectful approach to serious journalistic inquiry on a matter of national concern.

The controversy arose from an exclusive interview request by The Maravi Post, seeking the Registrar’s official response to allegations that President Lazarus Chakwera is distributing cash handouts to registered voters at State residences — namely Kamuzu and Sanjika Palaces — during the campaign period.

Initially, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) was approached with the same questionnaire on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 22:00 hours.

MEC Spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa acknowledged the request but redirected the matter to the Registrar of Political Parties, citing jurisdictional boundaries.

Following that, the same questionnaire was sent directly to Mr. Tenthani at 23:06, with a requested response deadline of 08:00 the following morning.

Despite the urgency of the issue, which touches on electoral integrity, abuse of incumbency, and the principles of free and fair elections, the Registrar responded several hours later with a vague comment that he had “addressed the matter in today’s Nation” newspaper.

When pressed again for direct and exclusive feedback, Mr. Tenthani simply remarked that the issue was “contextual,” adding that he could not pass judgment based on the information provided.

He further stated that his office had taken interest in the matter and was looking into it, but stopped short of offering any substantive or official position.

After a full day without a clear response, this publication informed the Registrar that the story would be published without his input — a decision that prompted a sharp and sarcastic reaction.

The Registrar accused this reporter of seeking a “proper” answer to fit a preconceived narrative, further stating, “Go ahead, sir. Write the story the way you wanted to.”

He went on to belittle the journalist’s comprehension, claiming the questions posed were misunderstood, and distancing himself from any meaningful engagement.

Such a tone was met with a firm and professional rebuke.

This publication reminded Mr. Tenthani that the request for an interview was extended in good faith and had followed due process, including initial contact with MEC and delayed publication solely to allow him time to respond.

The Registrar’s dismissive attitude was described as a stark example of the growing pattern of arrogance, avoidance, and bureaucratic hostility in some government offices when faced with legitimate questions of public accountability.

Government officials, especially those entrusted with overseeing political processes, are duty-bound to provide timely, accurate, and respectful responses to journalists, who serve as a critical bridge between authorities and the people.

It was emphasized that government institutions are not private clubs but public entities — answerable to citizens through the media and other democratic channels.

This publication further warned that such attitudes only erode public trust, reinforce perceptions of partisanship, and undermine the professional integrity expected of state institutions.

The Registrar later issued a half-hearted apology, acknowledging that perhaps he had not responded as expected and admitting that “we have chatted enough.”

While his gesture was noted, the damage had already been done — with his earlier conduct painting a picture of a public officer unwilling to engage transparently on matters directly tied to the conduct of the presidency during an election cycle.

The central issue — the alleged distribution of handouts from State House — remains unresolved.

But the episode has highlighted a deeper problem: the culture of defensiveness, denial, and disrespect that continues to thrive in public institutions tasked with upholding democratic values.

As the 2025 general elections draw closer, public officials must be reminded that journalists are not enemies — but essential stakeholders in the democratic process.

They must also remember that accountability is not optional.

The day will come — and indeed it always does — when those in power will need a journalist. When that day comes, history will remember how they responded when they were first asked to speak.