voter registration slip serial numbers. Although the noting of serial numbers does not
constitute an electoral fraud, the effect it has on voters tantamount to electoral fraud
through harassment and intimidation, and is a breach of the Electoral Act and section
67 of the Constitution, which guarantees political rights. According to ZEC, “the
offences border on voter intimidation, impersonification of ZEC officials and
trespassing should the persons enter your premises and are in violation of the Electoral
Act and Section 156 (c) of the Constitution among others.”3 The ZRP in a statement
warned perpetrators that,” It is a criminal offence for any citizen to coerce another
citizen and take down or record their voter registration serial numbers and voter
registration details.” 4
However, most incidences are never reported and in some instances the police take no
action. At a Human Rights Mobile clinic conducted by the Forum in Mutare on the 25th
of April 2018, the Forum received reports that police were not taking any action against
those demanding BVR serial numbers in spite of some individuals making official
reports. The Forum documented only one case of Abel Mauchi who sued a ZANU PF
supporter, Matora Masiiwa for assaulting and injuring him after he refused to surrender
his voter registration slip.5
Internal political party democracy: Primary Elections
The two main political parties, ZANU PF and MDC-A conducted their primary
elections in April and May respectively. These elections were characterised by intraparty violence, a demonstration of a high level of political intolerance amongst
candidates and their supporters. From January to 15 June 2018, the Zimbabwe Peace
Project (ZPP) recorded a total of 105 cases of intra-party violence. Of these, 62 cases
were of intra party violence in ZANU PF and 53 cases in the MDC Alliance.6
3
Capitalkfm.com/article/demanding-voter-reg-slips-illegal-zec
Muza Mpofu, Full statement: ZRP warns culprits demanding serial numbers from voters’ registration
slips, 30 January 2018, https://www.myzimbabwe.co.zw/news/15522-full-statement-zrp-warnsculprits-demanding-serial-numbers-from-voters-registration-slips.html
5 Ziso/Ilihlo Citizen Report
4
6
ZPP, Monitoring Report Week ended 15 June 2018,
https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ZPP%20Monitoring%20Report%20Week%20Ending%20Ju
ne%2015.pdf
15
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