ZEC ZITF stand, open for citizens to register to vote

Exhibitors and visitors who are attending the Zimbabwe International Trader Fair (ZITF) are permitted to register to vote as the electoral body increases efforts to get citizens to register to vote.

In an interview during the ZITF, the newly elected Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) spokesperson Commissioner Joyce Kazembe, said in the near future members of the public will access voter registration from mobile offices.

“I think it’s quite interesting that we have people who are taking advantage of our stand to access voter education and registration at our stand. We have seen a handful coming to register but our main message is people should ensure they are ready to register as we are planning a mobile registration blitz which will soon be rolled out,” said Comm Kazembe.

This follows an outcry over limited ZEC offices scattered countrywide, which has resulted in a low turnout especially in Matabeleland region.

The Commission is exhibiting at the ZITF under the theme, “Voter Registration and Delimitation under COVID-19 environment” and also conducting voter registration, inspection and education.

“We are aware that a majority of members cannot access our offices as they are located far from them but soon we will do mobile voter registration. For now we urge them, especially youths who will be 18 by 2023 to ensure that they get identity cards so that they can register when it’s time,” she added.

She said the office of the Registrar General is trying to document as many people as possible before the voter registration blitz so that they also benefit.

“We should be getting ready for the blitz by ensuring we have identity cards and we urge members of the public to go to registrar general offices to get their documents ready. Everyone will access the voter register one way or the other and those who can approach any of our offices countrywide and register to vote even if they will be moving to a totally different place come 2023,” said Comm Kazembe.

Citizens entering the ZITF are expected to produce valid PCR tests for COVID-19.

Comm Kazembe assured members of the public that they will all have a chance to register to vote before the delimitation process as the election body is mulling a voter registration blitz.

In some instances, members of the public are forced to travel more than 100km to the nearest ZEC office just to register to vote and because of financial challenges.

Meanwhile, ZEC offices at Windsor park in Famona are still open for voter registration.