ZEC encouraged to adopt progressive ways of voter registration
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has been encouraged to adopt progressive ways that will persuade youths to register to vote.
These sentiments were shared by Zimbabwe Elections Support Network Programs Director Ellen Dingani during a virtual TalkShow which was hosted by the Women’s Institute of Leadership Development (WILD) in collaboration with BPRA, BVTA, and EkhayaVote2023 on the implications of the untimely closure of the Voters’ Roll at Local Authority and National Assembly level ahead of the upcoming by-elections.
“Migrating to online voter registration is a commendable idea. We however would need to take cognisance of that with regards to finger prints, it might be difficult for us to migrate to online registration as a country,” she said.
Dingani noted that Zimbabwe can adapt what countries like Zambia have done where all forms are filled online and one has to present themselves physically to verify using fingerprints.
“In South Africa, the moment a person turns 18, automatically they are registered. They receive a message from mobile network operators when one turns 18 and they are automatically eligible voters,” said Dingani.
Dingani also encouraged civil society organisations and the general public to advocate for a special window period for voter registration following the untimely closure of the voter registration process.
Voter registration closed two days after the promulgation of Statutory Instrument (SI) 2 of 2022, proclaiming a date for the holding of by-elections to fill in electoral vacancies in wards and constituencies created by massive recalls and deaths of elected Members of Parliament and Senate, at a time when citizens were still awaiting a national voter registration blitz.
Dingani also noted that the legal provision on the voters’ roll means that while people may register to vote now after proclamation, their participation will only be significant for the pending delimitation of electoral boundaries and for the 2023 harmonized elections.
“In the case of the upcoming by-elections, the threat is exacerbated by the fact that owing to COVID-19 restrictions and the indefinite suspension of by-elections through SI 225A of 2020, and the attendant uncertainty, many potential voters may not have registered to vote by the time the proclamation was made.” said Dingani.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights representative Jabulani Mhlanga said elections must be held regularly, should be peaceful and they should be free from violence.
“It is however a concern that the registrar’s office closed at a time when Citizens were expected to have IDs to be able to register to vote. This had an impact on the number of people who could have registered to vote.”
Aspiring Candidate Sichelesile Mahlangu said, the upcoming by-elections present challenges as people living in rural areas are not aware that they will be taking place in March.
“There is a huge information gap. As an aspiring Candidate I am ready for the by-elections. However, more needs to be done at community level so that people appreciate what these key electoral processes entail.”
Speaking during the same meeting, EkhayaVote2023 Chairperson Dr Rodrick Fayayo said citizens need to understand the importance of elections and democracy in Zimbabwe primarily because elections give them an opportunity to make their government and elect representatives they want.
“However, part of the problems that Zimbabwe has is that there is an electorate and not active Citizens. People think their role ends after electing their candidates but this needs to change so that they evaluate the work of the elected candidates.” he added.
Dr Fayayo said there is a need for CSOs to continue engaging with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and citizens should play an active role in choosing the Government they want.