Turnout of registrants
According to statistics released by ZEC, 2 043 302 eligible voters had been registered as of 7
November 2017 representing 28.3% of targeted potential registrants. Harare recorded the
highest number of registrants with 309,951 whilst Bulawayo had the lowest turnout with
71,536 representing 17.5% of potential registrants in the city. Generally ZESN continues to
observe low turnout amongst youths and persons with disabilities (PWDs) and urges
electoral stakeholders to enhance mobilisation efforts towards youths, PWDs and women
by availing adequate awareness programmes as well as publicity of the location of the voter
registration centres.
Access to registration centres by special needs groups
ZESN has observed that at most centres special needs groups such as persons with
disabilities, the elderly, pregnant and nursing mothers are being given first preference to
register as voters. However, there are reports that some centres are inaccessible to PWDs,
for example, Shiku School in Runde Ward 4, Mount Belingwe in Ward 4 Mberengwa North
are not easily accessible to persons using wheelchairs and walking aids. As such there is
need for ZEC to ensure that mechanisms are put in place to enable PWDs and the elderly to
register conveniently.
Observers denied access to centres
Some accredited ZESN observers were denied access into registration centres by Ward
registration supervisors insisting that they first report to the District offices. Observers were
denied access in Zvishavane at Nyaradzai Hall in ward 8, Lundi Hospital in Ward 10 and
Weleza in Ward 13 as well as at Thekwane High School in Bulilima East. ZESN through its
member organisation the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights engaged ZEC resulting in the
observers being allowed into the centres. ZEC should ensure that its officers facilitate the
observation of the voter registration exercise as this is crucial for promoting transparency
and credibility of electoral processes.
Recommendations
1. ZESN implores ZEC to engage with the traditional leaders in order to discontinue the
abuse of their mandate and desist from interfering in electoral processes.
2. ZESN calls for measures to be put in place for the creation of a conducive electoral
environment that facilitates the free observation of and participation in key electoral
processes.
3. ZEC should ensure that BVR centres are easily accessible to all eligible citizens and
ensure that PWDs and other special needs groups are not inconvenienced when they
present themselves for the registration process.