adminThandeka Moyo Chronicle Correspondent
VILLAGERS in Lupane District in Matabeleland North have called on authorities to provide more voter registration centres, saying the existing ones are far away. They said they were walking up to 30km to Lupane Centre to register as voters. In an interview, one of the villagers, Mr Lizwe Tshuma from Phulula area said a majority of people especially the elderly, would not vote because they would not be able to register.
“We are being forced to walk about 30km to Lupane Centre where there is only one centre, which caters for all of us. We struggle to get there because it is far and though some have tried to provide transport for us, it is not adequate.
“Our elderly are the most affected and if nothing is done to address this problem, many of them will not vote,” said Mr Tshuma.
“A few trucks have been spotted carrying villagers to register at Lupane Centre. The owners of trucks are not addressing the real problem because they only carry their party supporters.”
Mr Tshuma appealed to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to avail more registration centres.
Contacted for comment, Matabeleland North provincial elections officer Mr Mark Ndlovu said his office was going to look into the issue and find a way to help the villagers.
“I am aware of the problem and I will definitely look into the issue and engage stakeholders so that we find a solution,” said Mr Ndlovu.
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