On average, ‘The Cost of Politics in Malawi’ shows a candidate blew K88.8 million, up from K14.8 million in 2019. The hidden price tag fuels corrupt and hidden agendas at the expense of deserving women and youthful candidates. However, any spending limits introduced should be practical, enforceable and applied fairly across all political parties to ensure a level playing field. How is it enforcing Section 41(1) of the Political Parties Act, which outlaws political handouts to prevent vote buying? We all want to address the problem of political handouts, but we must do so in a way that strengthens democracy and respects the rights of citizens.