Introduction
Prior to the promulgation of SI 85 of 2017 on 21 July 2017, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) had shared with stakeholders the draft
Electoral (Voter Registration) Regulations, 2017, in accordance with Section 192 of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], for input and feedback
before finalisation. ZESN submitted written submissions and made oral representations to ZEC with a view to strengthen the proposed
regulations in accordance with the electoral principles in the Constitution together with the parent Act, the Electoral Act. As mentioned above
ZEC has since promulgated the Electoral (Voter Registration) Regulations, 2017 via Statutory Instrument 87 of 2017. These regulations have
been enacted after consultations with ZESN and other stakeholders.
The review below is therefore juxtaposing the content of the promulgated regulations against the draft regulations, in light of the submissions
made to ZEC by ZESN. More specifically the review analyses the extent to which written recommendations made by ZESN have been
incorporated into the promulgated regulations. In the same vain the review also evaluates the extent to which the regulations address the key
issues relating to voter registration, as envisaged by the letter and spirit of the Constitution. It must be recalled that the regulations serve the
purpose of giving effect to the parent Act, The Electoral Act and the Constitution by setting out a more detailed legislative framework that
guarantees the holding of a free, fair and credible election.
1|Page