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.