Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Registrar-General Mr Henry Machiri has urged officials from the Civil Registry Department and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to work like “Siamese twins” to ensure a smooth transfer of voter registration and voters’ roll management responsibilities from ZEC to the Civil Registry Department.
Mr Machiri made the remarks during a handover-takeover orientation workshop being held at a Bulawayo hotel, bringing together provincial and district officials from the two institutions drawn from the country’s southern region.
“At national level, between myself and the ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Dr Simbarashe Tongayi, we are one. We are like Siamese twins, and this is what we want you to do, from provincial to district level,” said Mr Machiri.
He likened the transition to an athletics relay race, stressing the need to maintain momentum as responsibilities are transferred from one institution to the other.
“I wouldn’t like a situation where a race has started and someone has the baton and is doing well, then hands over to the next runner. Before long, the runner starts lagging behind. All the efforts of the first runner come to naught because of the other teammate,” he said.
“We don’t want our Government to be criticised regionally and internationally because of the Civil Registry Department and ZEC.”
Mr Machiri said the workshop marked an important milestone in implementing the Civil Registry Department’s new constitutional mandate following legislative reforms that transferred responsibility for voter registration and voters’ roll management from ZEC.
“This is a significant responsibility, and we recognise that its successful implementation will require close collaboration, careful planning and a structured handover process,” he said.
“The purpose of our engagement today is therefore not merely to transfer documents, equipment or systems. It is about ensuring the continuity, integrity, efficiency and sustainability of the voter registration and voters’ roll management function.”
He said the transition must be conducted professionally and transparently, with minimal disruption to electoral processes.
Mr Machiri added that citizens should continue receiving voter registration services efficiently while the integrity and accuracy of the voters’ roll were safeguarded.
Addressing provincial and district registrars and their ZEC counterparts, Mr Machiri said they would play a critical role in translating national decisions into practical implementation on the ground.
“I therefore urge you to engage openly, identify challenges early and agree on practical solutions that will support a seamless transition. As we move forward, there will inevitably be challenges. We should, however, approach these challenges in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect,” he said.
