Civil society organisations have intensified pressure on State House over allegations of interference in Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) procurement processes, calling for investigations into how the disputed deal was handled.
The Centre for Public Accountability and Development (CPAD) says it has obtained what it describes as credible reports and documentary evidence suggesting possible external influence in an ESCOM procurement process.
Speaking at a press briefing in Salima on Monday, CPAD National Coordinator Griffin Maruwasa alleged that a company which initially emerged as the successful bidder in a competitive process was later affected by objections that did not originate from official procurement structures.
He said if confirmed, the allegations would raise serious concerns about compliance with procurement laws and procedures.
Maruwasa said public procurement must remain transparent, fair, and free from any form of interference, warning that any deviation risks undermining public confidence in institutions.
He cited provisions of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, including requirements for transparency, accountability, and evaluation of bids strictly based on set criteria.
Maruwasa further said the allegations raise questions on whether due process was followed, whether the winning bidder was unfairly removed, and whether external factors influenced the final outcome.
CPAD has since called on ESCOM, relevant authorities, and oversight institutions to ensure full cooperation in any investigations and to provide clarity on the procurement process.
The organisation has also announced plans to petition the Competition and Fair Trading Commission and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority to review the matter.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organisations including HRCC, MaBLEM, FND, CHRR and HRDC has also intensified calls for accountability, saying procurement processes must remain independent from executive influence.
The CSOs have already indicated plans to take the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) to court over alleged interference in ESCOM procurement decisions.
They argue that continued interference undermines statutory institutions and weakens transparency in public procurement systems.
Both CPAD and the CSO coalition have maintained that their push is not targeted at any company but is aimed at ensuring accountability and adherence to procurement laws.
As pressure continues to mount, State House remains under scrutiny amid growing calls for a full and independent investigation into the ESCOM procurement process.
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