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Pamela Shumba Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has started making preparations to take over the compilation of the voters’ roll and registers from the Registrar-General’s Office in line with the new constitution.
The constitution stipulates that Zec shall, in addition to its functions, register voters, compile voters’ rolls and registers, ensure custody and maintenance of voters’ rolls and register and delimit constituencies, wards and other electoral boundaries.
Addressing Zec commissioners and staff during a workshop at a Bulawayo hotel yesterday, Zec chairperson Justice Rita Makarau said the new role was a mandate bestowed upon the commission by the new constitution.
The two-day workshop is meant to brainstorm on the voter registration that Zec wishes to recommend for the country as it takes over the function from the RG’s Office. “The function of registering voters and of compiling voters’ rolls and registers is a mandate that was bestowed upon Zec by the new constitution that was ushered in following the March 16, 2013 referendum,” said Justice Makarau.
“Zec shall proceed to make preparations to discharge the function not because we are happy to see it removed from the RG’s Office but because it is what the law obliges us to do.”
Justice Makarau said they anticipated that they would receive the necessary support from all the structures that feed into the process.
“This is not a function that has come to Zec because of any lobbying by the commission or observations that may have been made on the exercise during the just ended harmonised elections,” she said.
“It is a national and not an institutional mandate. As we proceed to assume the role, we sincerely hope that we will receive the necessary support from all structures and stakeholders.”
Justice Makarau said it was important for Zec to recommend a system that best suits the country’s socio-political environment.
“Each system best suits a given socio-political environment. We therefore have to define what we understand our socio-political environment to be before we can competently recommend a model.
“Some systems are expensive not only to roll out but to maintain. Some require hi-tech support in terms of equipment and expertise,” said Justice Makarau.
She added: “We all want the best but at times we cannot afford the best and we are compelled by circumstances. Any system that will be recommended must have a high degree of transparency.”
Justice Makarau urged the commissioners and staff to create a legacy and a voter registration system that would enhance electoral processes in the country.
Online Reporter