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number of polling stations for the harmonised elections, saying the move would ensure that all registered voters cast their ballots.
Zimbabweans go to the polls on July 31 to elect a President, senators, National Assembly members and councillors in the synchronised elections. Zec yesterday provisionally published 9 670 polling stations to be used for the polls, an increase from the 8 998 voting sites that were used in the 2008 harmonised elections.
Zec deputy chairperson Mrs Joyce Kazembe said the increase in the polling stations, established in terms of section 51 (3) of the Electoral Act, was a response to the increased number of people who had registered to vote.
She said the polling stations were increased after consultations with stakeholders, who included political parties.
“We consult stakeholders if they want additional polling stations. For this election, it was agreed that since the number of people who registered had increased inevitably, we had to do the same on the number of polling stations. If we had relied on the number of 2008 harmonised elections, we felt that we may not be able to finish all the people,” she said.
Mrs Kazembe said the figure could change, if there was any need.
The number of people on the voters’ roll has increased from over five million to more than six million since mandatory voter registration began with the publication of the new constitution on May 22. As of June 30, Registrar of Voters Tobaiwa Mudede said at least 476 313 new voters were registered, while 142 624 voters had transferred from their initial voting centres.
He said 595 746 people had inspected the voters’ roll, with 337 030 others acquiring national identification cards. Political parties said the move to increase polling stations was welcome and would see all those wishing to vote on election day casting their ballot.
“More people have registered for the elections and should be given a chance to register. This is a good observation by Zec and we hope many people will vote to choose their leaders in the elections,” said Zanu-PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo.
MDC spokesperson Mr Kurauone Chihwayi described the increase as a “positive move”. He said more polling stations should be opened in rural areas to save people from walking long distances.
“The MDC applauds Zec for availing more polling stations to the people though we are still discussing and scrutinising them,” he said.
“The increase will do away with chaos at the polling stations. The MDC will not hesitate to approach Zec with suggestions, advice or requests if there is need for adjustments. We expect Zec to recruit competent staff to complement the polling stations.”
MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora said while the increase in the number of polling stations was welcome there was a need for them to be spread evenly.
“It is a good move and we are still studying the list published. They might be many but we want them to be spread evenly. Our election department is looking into that.”
According to the schedule published by Zec, Midlands has the highest number of polling stations with 1 342, followed by Mashonaland West (1 303), Manicaland (1 297), Masvingo (1 234), and Mashonaland East (1 047). Harare has 830 polling stations, Mashonaland Central (822), Matabeleland North (783), Matabeleland South (622) and Bulawayo (390).
Online Reporter