adminBlessings Chidakwa Mash West Bureau
MASHONALAND West Province has so far registered nearly 500 000 people under the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) programme surpassing the 440 000 target.As of December 16, the province had registered 448 591 voters. The province managed to exceed the target even though the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) kits were affected by bad weather in the fourth and last phases.
There are, however calls from some residents and civic organisations in the province for ZEC and Government to extend the registration period to allow more voters time to register. In an interview, acting Mashonaland West Provincial Officer Mr Austin Ndlovu said, “Initially, we were looking at registering above 440 000 people.
“However, the figures differ with those from ZIMSTAT which says there are about 843 414 potential voters in the province. ZIMSTAT figures are quite problematic to work with as they include even those turning 18 years next year among other variables. All things being equal the provincial target for potential voters stands at slightly above 400 000.”
A Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN) official Ms Getrude Chimanikire was recently quoted calling on Government to extend the voter registration period.
“We wish that the on-going voter registration process could be extended to enable all those who qualify as provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe to register without hindrances. We wish that the BVR exercise may be extended beyond previous scheduled dates in view of the fact that the turnout in all areas is low,” she said.
Online Reporter