Farai Dauramanzi
Echo Editor
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda today launched ZECBot, an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot developed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to improve public access to electoral information.
Speaking at the launch in Harare, Dr Soda commended ZEC for embracing innovation and harnessing information and communication technologies to strengthen voter education.
“I wish to commend the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for embracing innovation and harnessing information and communication technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to strengthen public access to electoral information,” he said.
“ZECBot represents a practical and forward-looking step in modernising voter education and improving the way the Commission communicates with citizens.”
Dr Soda said governments and public institutions worldwide are increasingly exploring opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, noting that for electoral management bodies, the technologies could support more efficient administration, improve access to information and strengthen communication with citizens.
However, he cautioned that adopting such technologies must always be guided by responsibility, transparency, accountability, and respect for the rights and dignity of individuals.
“Technology must serve the people. It must never undermine trust, fairness, or the integrity of our democratic institutions,” he said.
Dr Soda said ZECBot is a practical expression of Zimbabwe’s commitment to digital transformation as articulated in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which recognises the importance of building a knowledge-based digital economy through emerging technologies, skills development, innovation and appropriate governance frameworks.
“The launch of this chatbot is therefore not merely the unveiling of a technological tool. It is a demonstration of Government’s commitment to placing innovation at the service of citizens, public institutions, and national development,” he said.
The minister said an informed electorate is fundamental to meaningful democratic participation, adding that citizens must have access to accurate, timely and understandable information about electoral processes, their rights and the institutions that serve them.
Dr Soda emphasised that ZECBot should complement the Commission’s established voter education programmes.
“ZECBot should complement, not replace, the Commission’s established voter education programmes and communication platforms. Community outreach, face-to-face engagement, traditional media, public meetings, and direct engagement with electoral stakeholders remain essential to building trust, addressing local concerns, and ensuring that no voter is left behind,” he said.
“Technology should broaden the reach of voter education, not narrow it.”
He said digital tools must work alongside voter educators, radio and television, printed materials, roadshows, community meetings, and engagement with civil society, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, particularly for communities with limited internet access, low digital literacy, or a preference for in-person engagement.
Dr Soda said ZECBot is a continuously learning platform, with the Commission working on upgrades, including enhancing its capacity to read and respond in all 16 official languages.
In her address, ZEC Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba said the Commission had delivered voter education through face-to-face engagements, community meetings, workshops, outreach programmes and mobile voter education teams over the years, as well as through its website and social media platforms.
“ZECBot builds on these efforts by providing an additional interactive channel through which citizens can ask questions and seek clarification at their convenience,” she said.
Justice Chigumba said the initiative was consistent with the Commission’s responsibilities, including its functions relating to the adoption of appropriate technology and the provision of information to the public on electoral matters.
“ZECBot is a practical demonstration of our commitment to using appropriate innovation in support of our statutory mandate. For the Commission, innovation must serve a clear public interest. It must improve access, strengthen communication and promote inclusion,” she said.
In his welcome remarks, ZEC Chief Elections Officer Dr Simbarashe Tongayi said ZECBot is an interactive digital assistant that gives members of the public a new channel to ask questions on electoral matters, including voting procedures and other aspects of the electoral process.
He said the chatbot is available 24 hours, providing fast and accurate information to help voters find their polling stations, understand election dates and procedures, while reducing pressure on call centres.
