Residents challenge ZEC on voter registration

The Residents Associations Coalition for Electoral Reforms is set to engage Parliament to summon the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) over the distortion of the numbers of registered voters.

Speaking in an interview on behalf of the Residents Associations Coalition for Electoral Reforms, CHRA Programmes Manager, Reuben Akili said the coalition was also concerned over the failure by first-time voters to register due to the inaccessibility of voters registration centres in some parts of the country.

Akili said the move to engage Parliament was motivated by the fact that ZEC, like all other state institutions and agencies, must be accountable to Parliament. He said that distortion of numbers of registered voters and failure by first time voters to register creates ground for disputed elections hence the need to hold ZEC to account.

“In terms of section 119 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, all institutions and agencies of the State and Government are accountable to Parliament. The distortion of the figures of registered voters and lack of access to voter registration centres is a major concern that requires ZEC to be answerable and explain measures they have put in place to address these challenges because these are the issues that result in contestations around election results,” said Akili.

He said it is imperative for ZEC to have a clean and transparent voters’ roll that is accessible to all contesting parties. This, he said is a panacea to free, fair and credible elections.

“In order to address election results contestations, ZEC must have a clean and transparent voters roll and everyone who wants to register to vote must not be denied this right due to inaccessibility of voter registration centres as this violates the right to vote,” said Akili.

There have been numerous reports of first-time voters failing to register due to the long distances they have to travel to access voter registration centres. Analysts say that if this is not addressed as a matter of urgency, there is a real possibility of potential voters being disenfranchised.

Another issue that could possibly disenfranchise potential voters is the failure by the department of the Registrar General to issue national identity documents, according to Akili.

Said Akili, “The issue of national identity cards remains a major impediment for those who want to register to vote. We can’t have electronic passports when people lack basic identification documents such as national identification cards. The Registrar General’s office must put its house in order and ensure citizens have access to identification documents.”