ZEC recruits polling officers

Responding to written questions yesterday, ZEC chief executive officer, Mr Lovemore Sekeramayi, said the electoral body would start its recruitment exercise and then embark on a training programme for the polling officers.

He said the polling officers would be drawn from the civil service, parastatals and local authorities.

Mr Sekeramayi said ZEC officials would conduct the training exercise.

“Teachers will be recruited where it is necessary, in addition to other officers from the civil service, parastatals and local authorities,” he said.

Last week, the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture torched a storm when he said his Ministry would prefer a situation where teachers would not participate as polling officers during the referendum to avoid disturbing lessons at schools.

Mr Sekeramayi assured the electoral officers that ZEC would pay them as usual.

“ZEC shall recruit and adequately train all electoral officers for the referendum as from 8 March 2013,” said Mr Sekeramayi.

“ZEC will definitely pay the electoral officers as it has always paid those it engages to do electoral duties.”

Mr Sekeramayi urged members of the public to go out in their numbers and vote during the referendum process, saying only those who are 18 years and above were eligible to vote. “ZEC encourages all Zimbabwean citizens, registered or unregistered, aged 18 years and above, to go early with correct documents so as to be able to vote in the referendum on 16 March.

“The correct documents to take to the polling stations include a metal or plastic identity card or waiting pass with a photograph of the bearer or valid passport. Only those born on or before 16 March 1995 are eligible to vote,” said Mr Sekeramayi.

The electoral body has printed 12 million ballots for the referendum, which would have 9 000 polling stations.

The Copac campaigns to raise awareness of provisions of the draft constitution began last week in the country, with Zanu-PF and the MDC formations urging Zimbabweans to endorse the draft constitution.

After the referendum, the country will head for elections whose date has not yet been announced.

Reports, however, indicate that the elections will be held in July.