Figure2: Age distribution of the population of registered voters % of population BVR Statistics of registered people population (n= 5 185 072) 13.20 13.1812.90 12.06 11.45 8.62 5.24 5.46 4.24 4.80 3.46 2.30 1.70 0.82 0.57 0.14 0.08 0.02 Age (Years) The graph above shows that the population registered voters is positively skewed, suggesting that the majority of registered voters, so far, fall into the younger generation category (20 to 44 years old). This could be attributed to the fact that Zimbabwe’s population is largely youthful. However, uptake of BVR has been considerably lower among the older generation and those aged 18 to 19. Of concern to ZESN are the higher numbers of registered voters’ in Goromonzi South (65, 539), Epworth (63 961), Dangamvura – Chikanga (58 000) and Harare South (60 270) constituencies. This points out to the need for more polling stations in the respective constituencies and the need for a delimitation exercise post 2018 elections. Conclusion and Recommendations Although the statistics indicate a generally heightened interest in voter registration, with all provinces recording more than half of the projected population having registered, and more youth and women participation, there is still a need for concerted efforts to mobilise prospective voters to take part in the continuous registration exercise and to also turn out in the 2018 harmonised elections.   ZEC should provide statistics further disaggregated by ward, polling stations and special interest groups, for example People with Disabilities (PWDs) The ZEC should continuously provide updated, disaggregated data on the voter registrants on its website, in a timely manner. 5

Select target paragraph3