PUBLIC NOTICE: Abuse of Voter Identity Cards

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) understands that some social service providers are using its voter certificates for identification. The Commission wishes to inform those engaging in this practice to cease immediately.


The Commission reached the decision based on numerous complaints stating, that some unscrupulous persons are using voter identification cards to affect the integrity of our electoral vote.


The Commission stresses that it is an offence to retain a voter certificate with the intention excluding the owner from participating in the electoral process.


The Commission is urging all registered voters to reclaim voter certificates that are not in their possession. Individuals and institutions in possession of voter certificates should return them to their rightful owners or surrender them to the Commission with immediate effect.


Those persons who are having difficulty reclaiming their voter certificates should inform the Malawi Electoral Commission.


The Commission wishes to reassure the public that it is committed to ensuring the integrity of the upcoming elections. All stakeholders that have had their voter certificates taken will still be able to vote, if they are registered and can produce necessary documentation.


The Commission will not entertain any voter certificates that were not issued at its designated centers. Individuals found in possession of cards not issued by the Commission will be prosecuted.


For more information contact the Commission on email
ceo@mec.org.mw.


Signed this 4th day of March, 2014 at Blantyre

Justice Maxon Mbendera, SC

CHAIRMAN