MEC Addresses Photographing Women in Hijabs During Voter Registration

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) issued a public statement addressing concerns regarding the photographing of women wearing hijabs during voter registration. This statement aims to clarify the Commission’s stance and promote an inclusive and respectful registration process for all Malawians.

The MEC reaffirmed its commitment to respecting individual rights and religious freedoms, including the right of women to wear hijabs, while adhering to voter identification requirements. The Commission outlined specific procedures to ensure the registration process for women in hijabs is handled sensitively, avoiding inconvenience or misunderstanding.

The statement emphasized that voter registration officials have been trained to approach such situations respectfully, ensuring cultural and religious attire is not a barrier to fair and equitable participation. The MEC assured the public that no individual or group, including women who wear hijabs for religious reasons, will face discrimination during the voter registration process.

To keep citizens informed, the MEC encouraged Malawians to join its WhatsApp community for real-time updates on voter registration and other electoral matters. This platform provides direct communication from the MEC to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination.

Interested members of the public can join the MEC WhatsApp community through this link: Join MEC WhatsApp Community.

For additional inquiries or clarifications, contact Richard Mveriwa, MEC Communications Officer, at 0888870092, or visit the MEC office at:

Chisankho House
Private Bag 113
Lilongwe, Malawi

The MEC’s statement reinforces its commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and respectful voter registration process that upholds the rights and dignity of all Malawians.