Enhancing Understanding of
BVR in Zimbabwe
What is Bio Metric Voter Registration (BVR)?
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Biometrics is a technology used to capture unique physical features such as finger prints and/
or facial scans for the purposes of identification. Biological and behavioural characteristics are
stored in a database and used for identification of voters on polling day.
Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) can be used to collect this unique data to identify voters and
the software used can help eliminate duplicates or multiple registrations due to malpractice,
fraud and human error.
What BVR is not
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BVR is not electronic voting.
BVR is not internet voting
BVR will only be used for registering voters.
On Election Day, voters will still be identified and be issued with a
paper ballot paper and not vote electronically.
Advantages of BVR
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If implemented in accordance with the internationally accepted principles for voter registration
such as inclusivity, transparency, accuracy,integrity,sustainability, comprehensiveness, and
security of data, the BVR will result in a clean, comprehensive and credible voters’ roll with no
duplicate names and will minimise multiple voting.
It improves the quality of the Voter Register as it accurately captures voters data.
Increases efficiency as less registration officials will be used.
It enhances trust and confidence in the voters’ roll which in previous elections has been highly
contested emanating from the presence of duplicated entries and other errors and this is an
opportunity for Zimbabwe to get a fresh voters’ roll.
Risks of BVR
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If proper planning is not done the BVR could result in a number of challenges.
Fear of ICTs by the electorate which could result in their intimidation
Human Error
High costs of equipment
Vulnerable to Information Technology(IT) Fraud
Limited knowledge and Poor Training of Implementers resulting in inaccuracies
Human Error leading to mistrusts and suspicions.
Promoting Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe
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