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Election Observation and Accreditation
Nomination of Candidates
Voting Processes and Procedures
Voting By Illiterate or Physically Handicapped Voters
Postal and Special Voting
Politically Motivated Violence and Intimidation
Media Coverage of Elections
Electoral Court
Delimitation of Constituencies
Independence of the Commission
In preparing this critique, efforts have been made as far as possible, to bring together various but
similar issues covered in different parts of the Bill. The approach is to explain the legal meaning of each
relevant clause whilst analysing its legal significance and implications. The critique will point to the
strengths and weaknesses of each clause and where appropriate and necessary suggestions for
improvement will be submitted during the course of the analysis. At the end, a set of suggestions and
recommendations will be made.
III
VOTER
REGISTRATION AND
THE VOTERS’ ROLL
Electronic and Printed Voters Rolls
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Clause 5 which amends Section 20 of the Act introduces a requirement that voters rolls should
be kept by the Commission in both electronic and printed form. The Commission will also be
required to keep a consolidated national voters’ roll at its head office.
Provision of Searchable and Analysable Voters Rolls
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Clause 6 amends Section 21 to oblige the Commission to provide members of the public, upon
request and payment of a prescribed fee, with print or electronic copies of any voters roll. When
an election has been called, the Commission must within a reasonable period thereafter provide
a printed and electronic copy of every voters roll to every political party that intends to contest
the election and to any accredited observers who requests it. Further, within a reasonable time
after nominations, the Commission must provide every candidate with an electronic and printed
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