By Rahim Abdul
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has taken a proactive step in addressing concerns regarding the certification of academic and professional documents for individuals applying to become presiding officers.
In a public statement released on June 13, 2025, MEC clarified that it does not charge or benefit from any fees associated with the certification process.
According to MEC, the confusion arises from the fact that certifying officers, such as District Commissioners, Magistrates, Lawyers, or Commissioners for Oaths, may charge a nominal fee for their services.
These officers are often located in the same premises as MEC district offices, leading some to mistakenly believe that the fees are being collected by the Commission.
MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, signed the statement, emphasizing that the Commission does not require, collect, or benefit from any certification fees.
This clarification is crucial in ensuring that applicants are not misled or taken advantage of during the application process.
The certification of documents is a requirement for the application process, and MEC wants to ensure that applicants understand the process and the associated costs. While MEC does not benefit from the certification fees, the Commission is committed to ensuring that the application process is transparent and fair.
