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Herald Reporter
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe and Inter- Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa has urged Zimbabweans to remain patient while waiting for the announcement of poll results. Speaking at a Press conference CCJPZ chairman Bishop Alexio Muchabaiwa, requested the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to provide the results within the timeframe mandated by electoral laws.
He said they had noticed positive achievements in the conduct of the 2013 harmonised elections saying the environment remained peaceful up to close of the poll and people who were still in the queue were allowed to vote.
“ZEC even extended the time for those polling stations that did not open on time; the church recognises the effort of ZEC to allow people to vote until midnight. Counting in most polling stations started immediately after the close of the polls soon after 7 pm.
“However, there are few concerns we identified in the observation process that if taken as opportunities, will improve our future electoral process and systems,” said Bishop Muchabaiwa.
He also expressed concern over the misplacement of names on the voters roll saying some of the voters were able to find their names in wards and constituencies they had not previously registered.
“By close of polls CCJPZ had recorded 47 incidents as reported.”
He said 13 percent represented intimidation or coercion near the polling station, wearing political regalia and singing political songs.
Online Reporter