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out countrywide starting on Monday. The new programme would cater for thousands of aspiring voters who failed to register during the initial registration programme.
In an interview on the sidelines of a workshop with faith based organisations here yesterday, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission deputy chairperson Mrs Joyce Kazembe said the new voter registration would be conducted in line with provisions of the new Constitution, which President Mugabe signed into law last week.
Mrs Kazembe said the new exercise would seek to correct anomalies in the last registration.
“We will be rolling out a new voter registration exercise in all parts of the country starting from next week. Treasury has availed US$11, 6 million for that exercise.
“Out of that amount, US$1,6 million would be used to clear the debts we incurred during the Constitutional referendum,” she said.
“We will get an additional US$10 million soon so that we continue with our electoral programmes. Our aim this time is to go to all wards in every district and ensure that all eligible voters are registered.
“According to the new Constitution, the process would be conducted within a maximum period of 30 days. We urge people to come out in large numbers and bring the necessary documents to register.”
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Mrs Kazembe said the electoral body was technically prepared for the holding of the harmonised elections despite financial setbacks.
She said at least five million potential voters were expected to participate in the harmonised elections.
Mrs Kazembe said the Registrar-General’s Office would remain in charge of the voters’ roll until the holding of elections, after which ZEC would take over.
She described churches as major stakeholders in national civic matters and urged them to spread the gospel of peace before, during and after the elections.
Mrs Kazembe said Zimbabweans were united and a peaceful environment was a pre-requisite for free, fair and credible elections.
In their contributions, participants who were drawn from different faith based congregations in Bulawayo, Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland North and South provinces, complained over the manner the last voter registration exercise was conducted.
They said the process was hurried as it was conducted within a short period of time from April 29 to May 19 this year.
The participants challenged the RG’s Office to improve the issuance of birth certificates and identity cards to enable people to register.
Others demanded that ZEC takes over the registration process and accused the electoral body of failing to conduct effective voter education.
There was heated debate on the issue of intimidation of voters by some politicians with participants calling for joint rallies to demonstrate their commitment to peace.
Online Reporter