ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK BIOMETRIC VOTER REGISTRATION UPDATE - NUMBER 9 9 November 2017 – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) continues to observe Phase 2 of the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) exercise in all the country’s 10 provinces. The following update is based on observations made over the past 7 days. Voter Registration Procedures At 100% of registration centres where ZESN observers were stationed, the registration officials correctly followed the registration steps such as capturing fingerprints, facial photographs, scanning relevant documents and issuing out voter registration slips. Observer reports also indicated that 96% of the centres opened before 8 am with the remaining 4% opening by 8:30 am. Cases of Intimidation ZESN continues to receive disturbing reports of intimidation of observers and citizens by traditional leaders and political players. For instance, a ZESN observer in Ward 1 Rushinga was summoned and admonished by the Chief of that area for observing the BVR process in his area without seeking his permission first. In addition, cases of intimidation whereby registrants are being asked to submit serial numbers on their registration slips continue to be reported in areas such as Honde Valley Ward 28, Nyanga North Ward 3, Greystone Park at New March Shopping Centre Ward 18, and Bikita East among others. Issues with Proof of Residence ZESN has observed that the registration process is being slowed down by the scarcity of commissioners of oaths, resulting in potential registrants waiting for hours before their documents are certified. In ward 28 of Honde Valley in Mutasa North a ZANU PF councilor threatened one of the headmasters who are providing commissioners of oath services with unspecified action if he continued to write letters confirming residency of potential registrants. The councilor indicated that this service was the prerogative of the Village Head only.

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