By Burnett Munthali
On Friday, November 15, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) issued an important public statement regarding the taking of photographs during voter registration, specifically addressing concerns about women wearing hijabs. The statement seeks to clarify the Commission’s position on this matter to ensure an inclusive and respectful registration process for all Malawians.
The MEC recognizes the significance of respecting individual rights and religious freedoms, including the right of women to wear hijabs, while still adhering to the necessary requirements for voter identification. The Commission highlighted that it is committed to ensuring a smooth and fair registration process, and it has outlined procedures for handling registration photos of women in hijabs to avoid any inconvenience or misunderstanding.
In its statement, the MEC emphasized that voter registration officials have been instructed to work sensitively and with respect to religious and cultural attire. The Commission assures the public that every effort will be made to ensure the registration process does not discriminate against any individual or group, including those who wear the hijab for religious reasons.
To ensure the public stays informed about such developments, the MEC has encouraged all Malawians to join their WhatsApp community for real-time updates on voter registration and other electoral matters. This platform allows citizens to receive direct communications from the MEC, keeping them updated on any changes or important announcements.
For those interested in staying connected, the public can join the MEC WhatsApp community using the following link: Join MEC WhatsApp Community.
For further inquiries or clarification, Richard Mveriwa, the Communications Officer at MEC, can be contacted via cell phone at 0888870092. The MEC also provided its office address for any formal correspondence:
Chisankho House
Private Bag 113
Lilongwe, Malawi
The MEC’s statement reaffirms its commitment to conducting a fair, transparent, and inclusive voter registration process, where the rights and dignity of all Malawians are respected.
