Some challenges noted by the ZHRC during the first phase of the BVR “blitz” related to the process taking too long to complete and registrants complaining about the long queues. However, the BVR process improved during the second phase onwards as the Commission observed shorter queues and the process taking about 3 to 5 minutes for one person to complete. Another issue which affected the BVR process in the initial phases was the turning away of a significant number of prospective registrants owing to failure to show proof of residence in terms of Section 23(1) of the Electoral Act. 8 3.3 Access to Documentation ZHRC observed that the BVR centres were equipped with the requisite material for the exercise in terms of Section 24(1) of the Electoral Act.9 The Commission was satisfied that ZEC officials adhered to the registration procedures outlined in Section 7 of the Electoral Voter Registration Regulations.10 ZHRC noted the presence of the Registrar General’s Office in the different parts of the country, and the provision of their services to citizens resident in the rural and remote parts of the country. The issuing of birth certificates and national identity cards was run concurrently with the BVR exercise, thus ensuring that registrants who had the documents for identity card registration were furnished with the requisite documentation which promoted their right to vote. ZHRC noted the efforts of ZEC and other stakeholders in finding a solution towards the requirement to show proof of residence by encouraging Commissioners of oaths to voluntarily provide free services to commission affidavits at BVR centres across the country. The ZHRC observed during the second phase and subsequent phases that “[In order to have the requisite residence qualifications to be registered as a voter in a particular constituency, a claimant must be resident in that constituency at the date of his or her claim. Furthermore, Section 5 of the Electoral Voter Registration Regulations provides a list of documents which constitute proof of residence”. 8 9 Any person who wishes to be registered as a voter on the voters roll for any constituency shall present himself or herself at the appropriate registration office in order for the appropriate prescribed claim form… 10 S1 2017-85-Electoral (Voter Registration Regulations), 2017. The steps for registration include; completing a VR form, taking a passport sized photo of the claimant and taking the finger prints of the claimant. Page 20 of 55