ZESN observed that some citizens intending to register were turned away on the basis of
presenting defaced identity documents, for being ‘Aliens’, failure to produce proof of
residence and producing wrong form of identification such as drivers’ licenses. The
government must adequately publicize the procedures for regularizing the citizenship status
of citizens classified as ‘Aliens’ to enable them to register to vote.
Mobile registration centres
Whilst ZESN appreciates the setting up of mobile registration centres at places like the
Parliament of Zimbabwe building, old people’s homes, hospitals and institutions housing
people with disabilities; the Network calls upon ZEC to adequately publicize the facilities in
all the 10 provinces to ensure that eligible citizens can register to vote.
Issues with proof of residence and Voter Registration Affidavits
The Network continues to observe that ZEC Commissioners of Oaths are not always
available at registration centres resulting in citizens requiring this service either returning
home without registering or being charged for the commissioning of their affidavits.
Instances of challenges with proof of residence were reported in Nyanga North Ward 5
Kambarami village, the Village Head is reported to be demanding that villagers who require
proof of residence pay $5.
Turnout
According to statistics released by the ZEC, as of 19 October 2017, a total of 814,181 people
had registered at 1890 registration centres under Phase One. ZESN has also observed that
significantly high numbers have been recorded in areas like Harare and Midlands while areas
like Matebeleland provinces have experienced very low turnout. ZESN observed that at
Sinansengwe Business centre in Binga North ward 4 not a single person presented
themselves at the registration centre on 19 October 2017. Low turnout figures were also
recorded in Mashonaland East at Shamba Dip tank in Maramba Pfungwe Ward 6, only two
people registered on 18 October, while at Kanzire Primary School in the same ward, only one
person registered. Yesterday, at Maramba Primary school, 60 people; males 28 males and 32
females registered. Some centres that recorded high turnout yesterday are as follows: Seke
Primary School in Chitungwiza South Ward 18, 252 (190 were female and 62 male), at
Remembrance Hall in Mbare, 217 registered (167 female and 50 male). In Midlands at
Chinyenyetu Primary School Gokwe Nembudziya, 164 people were registered on 18 and 19
October 2017.