ZEC to set up 900 BVR units in preparation for 2023 elections

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is looking at establishing about 900 biometric voter registration units across the country to enable members of the public to register in preparation for the 2023 elections.

Speaking during a virtual  dialogue which was conducted by Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN) on effective representation of women in politics, ZEC Commissioner Joyce Kazembe said lack of access to national identity cards is affecting voter registration of women who are a majority of voters.

“We have more than 90 districts in the country and people have been struggling to access identity cards needed before they can register. From our end we are aware of the predicament people are facing in travelling to their nearest offices hence the plan to establish over 900  voter registration units so that we go to the people,” she said.

Voter registration is ongoing in Zimbabwe but the process has been slowed down by lack of identification cards and the handful registration centers situated far away from a majority of residents.

There have been fears that the low uptake of voter registration may affect the delimitation exercise which has been set for next year.

Commissioner Kazembe emphasized the need for women to be given a chance to actively participate in politics as nothing tangible has been done so far. She said women had always dominated the voters’ roll  which shows that they have a keen interest in politics although their right to this is only guaranteed on paper.

“We need control measures within political parties and to lobby for measures even in parliament that will support women. We are just talking and talking and nothing tangible has happened because women are only considered as useful in singing and ululating during rallies,” said Comm Kazembe.

Zimbabwe Gender Commission Chief Executive Officer Virginia Muwanigwa said for women to fully participate, communities should change their attitude and use the same standard to measure competency.

“Our challenge is that as a society we are quick to dismiss women as leaders as if the current ones we have in politics are all perfect. We need to understand that when women choose to venture  into politics they are not there to fail or to prove a point but to  lead like the men who have  shortcomings like women,” she said.

Muwanigwa highlighted that women and girls are equally important and competent and should be treated the same way even in political participation as spelt by our constitution which clearly states that  50/50 equal representation is possible.