Annexures ZESN election statements for the by elections ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK 25 January Local Government By-election Press Statement Harare, 26 January 2014 –The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) observed the three local government by-elections in Harare, Karoi and Zaka. ZESN observers reported a peaceful electoral process in all three wards albeit the heavy police presence that was reported particularly in Sunningdale Ward 12. Voting All polling stations opened on time and voting started on schedule although short queues were witnessed. Voters essentially trickled in after the opening of polling stations. All polling stations had all their essential electoral material and ZESN commends ZEC for their preparedness. The voting process went on peacefully in all polling stations. ZESN observers reported a number of critical incidents that took place during the voting process. These included:  The use of voting slips which were used in the harmonized election of 2013 showing that the Registrar-General‘s Office had not updated the voters roll as their names could not be found in the voters roll. This is a matter of concern as almost 6 months have elapsed since the last election and the Registrar-General‘s office have not been updating the voters roll. The voting slips cannot be authenticated hence voters not resident in the particular ward holding the by election can vote. In addition, there was a deadline given to the use of voting slips for the by election, only those whose slips were dates the 10th of July 2013 and below could vote. ZESN is concerned that this deadline for slips could disenfranchise some voters as voter registration is a continuous process in Zimbabwe and the deadline for the use of slips could disenfranchise those that registered after the Harmonized election of 2013. In addition, there was inconsistent use of the slips as some voters using slips were allowed to vote and others were denied access to the vote. 8|Page