adminNokutenda Chiyangwa and Andrew Muvishi
Supermarket and fastfood restaurant workers in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) yesterday voted in their respective constituencies while dismissing rumours that their employers had denied them their constitutional right. Workers are required to be given time off by their employers to go and vote according to Section 92 of the Electoral Act.
There had been rumors circulating on social media to the effect that workers from supermarket chains had been denied the right to vote as their employers had instructed them to report for duty as usual.
However, in an interview with The Herald, a till operator at a supermarket in the city centre said she would exercise her voting right after work.
“The issue of us not being allowed to vote is false. We were actually encouraged to vote and today I feel so excited. Yes we are at work, as a supermarket we have to be open as people might need basic necessities throughout the day. However, we are taking shifts, I am only working until lunch time while someone else will replace me at that hour.
“It is my right as a Zimbabwean to go and vote and there is no way I would let anyone infringe that right,” she said.
Another proud voter from a fast food chain explained that the day was very peaceful and the voting was accessible.
“I have been waiting for this day and I hope there is going to be a change, am grateful that our boss granted us permission to vote.
“We are grateful that there is peace during this election period. I have already voted in the morning and I am replacing someone else who has gone off to vote. The lines at the polling stations were not as slow as before therefore I am happy that I got the opportunity to vote and work at the same time,” he said.
Although President Mnangagwa declared yesterday a public holiday, some businesses remained open to accommodate the everyday needs of Zimbabweans.
Online Reporter