ZEC Explains Voter Registration Cancellation

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has clarified the voter registration postponement citing “the need to uphold inclusivity.”

ZEC was supposed to conduct mobile voter registration in communities starting on six December 2021.

A few days ago there were leaks to the media on ZEC’s plans to postpone the voter registrations.

ZEC’s acting chief elections officer, Mrs JP Chigidji however responded to the allegations whilst announcing the voters registration postponement to February 2022.

“After consulting with other critical players in voter registration, the mobile voter registration exercise pencilled for 06 December 2021 has been postponed to February 2022. The need to uphold inclusivity, which is one of the Commission’s core values has necessitated this postponement.” She said in a statement.

She said the delay will allow Zimbabweans who are not yet registered a chance to get registered by securing national IDs.

“This deferment is meant to allow all eligible stakeholders to acquire national identity cards, which are requisite for voter registration.

“The period initially slated for the voter registration exercise would have excluded some stakeholders without national identity cards.” Added Chigidji.

Voter registration serves three main purposes: to ensure that everyone eligible to vote can do so, prevent those not legally entitled to vote from voting and to curb multiple voting by individuals.

The practice and procedures for voter registration are prescribed in section 17A of the Electoral Act.

A complete, accurate and up-to-date voters roll is instrumental to holding credible elections.