ZEC on voter registration

According to latest figures released by ZEC there are 5 588 397 reigistered voters, as of 31 October.

The country has a population of about 14 million people.

“We noticed a general ignorance on the registration process by members of the public and as such the commission has so far produced a voter education guide and a pamphlet on voter registration which, once reproduced, should be distributed far and wide by our district offices,” said ZEC deputy public relations officer Mr Tendayi Pamire responding to questions by Chronicle.

He said several civic organisations have been trained on how to conduct voter education and those who qualify have been accredited and commissioned, as required by law, to conduct voter education, using standardised and approved voter education material.

“In carrying out this process they should also be on the ground in due course,” said Mr Pamire.

He said they operated in conjunction with the registrar general of voters in the registration exercise and supervised the process.

“Both offices await funding from the Government to go on an outreach voter registration exercise,” said Mr Pamire.

He said reproduction of voter education material was underway through the facilitation of one of the cooperating partners.

“The requirements for registration are a national identity document, metal or plastic or waiting pass with a photograph or a valid Zimbabwean passport and a proof of residence,” said Mr Pamire.

He said there was no need to doubt the registration process.

“It is very free from manipulation. Authentic documents are used to register voters,” said Mr Pamire.

“Registration of voters is a continuous exercise during office hours throughout the year, at the Registrar General’s offices in Harare, at provincial, district, and district sub-office registration centres. So, to be able to vote in an upcoming election, you must register not later than 24 hours before the nomination court sits,” said Mr Pamire.

He said their major aim is to register everyone who is eligible to vote.

“It would have been good to have figures from the 2012 national census exercise, but this is not possible yet, this would give an indication of eligible voters, that is, those 18 years of age and above.

“While we are now getting a monthly report from the Registrar General on the number of registered voters, we are not satisfied with the numbers.

“That is why both the Registrar General and ourselves are seeking funding from Government to go on an outreach registration exercise to go out to the people, as has been the normal practice before a general election over the last few years,” said Mr Pamire.