The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) remains fully committed to promoting transparency and accountability in line with the Access to Information (ATI) Act. The Commission recognizes that the right to access public information is a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance. In full observance of Section 37 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, MEC ensures that every citizen—regardless of age, race, creed, political affiliation, financial standing, or level of education—has the right to access information held by the Commission.

In demonstrating this commitment, MEC made history by becoming the first public service institution in Malawi to appoint an Information Officer immediately after the enactment of the ATI law. This proactive step set the pace for other public institutions, showing that openness and accountability are not just legal requirements but ethical obligations in public service. Through this initiative, the Commission has continued to serve as a model of compliance and transparency in governance.

MEC has also established clear internal mechanisms for processing information requests efficiently. Citizens, researchers, civil society organizations, and the media can formally request information on any aspect of MEC’s operations—ranging from voter registration, boundary demarcation, and electoral finance, to policy decisions and administrative processes. Each request is handled with professionalism and guided by the principles of openness, fairness, and public interest.

A request for information can be made using the following methods which are also acceptable under the provisions of the Access to Information Act and the Access to Information Regulations as gazetted by the responsible minister:

1. Through oral requests in person or phone call to the Information officer who is based at the MEC head office in Blantyre and also at any MEC district office across the country
2. Through email to information@mec.org.mw
3. Through signing an information request form as guided by the Minister of Information which can be downloaded here. The form can be printed and dropped at any MEC office or be sent through email to information@mec.org.mw or post to The Information Officer, Malawi Electoral Commission, Private Bag 113, Blantyre.
4. By filling the information request form online here

After submitting the request for information, the Commission will communicate its decision whether to grant or refuse the request within fifteen days. In the event that the information requested is in the custody of another institution, the Commission will transfer that request to the information keeper.

Some requests for information might attract fees especially of they require digitization, printing, duplication, photocopying, printing and the Commission shall advise for such costs in line with the provisions of the Access to Information Act.

If you are unsatisfied with the decision of the Commission regarding your request you are free to apply for an internal review through the information officer within 60 days. Your application for review can be made orally or using the form that can be downloaded here. The Commission will notify you of its decision within five days. You shall not be charged a fee for an internal review.

Where, as an information seeker, you are not satisfied with the decision of the internal review, you are free to appeal for an external review to the Malawi Human Rights Commission whose details are found here

More details about processing of requests for information from MEC can be obtained from the Information officer whose details are below:

Information Officer: Mr Wellington Katantha

Email: information@mec.org.mw

Phone: +265 888 864 342

DOWNLOADS

1. PR on information Officer appointment
2. Gazette ATI law
3. ATI regulations in Chichewa
4. Kasakula request for Information
5. Response to Kasakula request