26 January 2018

ZEC MUST BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO ISSUES ARISING FROM THE BVR EXERCISE

For immediate release:

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Southern Region of Zimbabwe are observing, monitoring and mobilizing citizens to participate during the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR). The observation reports have been shared with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). Through its own findings, ZEC has reported several challenges associated with its implementation of BVR.

While ZEC has released statements castigating some of the mal-practices and human rights related violations, CSOs are worried by ZEC’s failure to effectively act and address the challenges appropriately

Southern Region CSOs note with concern:

1. Continued challenges and delays in issuance of identity documents and the failure by ZEC to liaise with the Registrar General on issues of identity provision to citizens;
2. Failure to enhance voter mobilization in Masvingo to increase voter registration turnout; and,
3. Continued demand for voter registration slips’ serial numbers by traditional leaders and the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), in areas such as Masvingo, Zaka, Bukita, Chivi, Gutu, Mwenezi, Chiredzi among other areas in the province. This compromises secrecy of the vote as the demand is accompanied by threats.

Southern Region CSOs urge ZEC to:

1. Immediately instruct the Zimbabwe Republic Police to investigate and arrest offenders associated with demand for serial numbers;
2. Take immediate action and call to order political parties and individuals responsible for harassment and intimidation of would be voters in line with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates contained in the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution of Zimbabwe;
3. Put an immediate stop to the voter registration exercise in areas affected by demand for serial numbers until a conducive environment is certain;
4. Engage all stakeholders involved in voter registration, such as the RG, to ensure an easy and smooth process;
5. Intensify voter education and voter mobilization in Masvingo province.