ZESN Polling Station Analysis
Table 5: 2013 Estimated Additional Polling Stations by Province
Province
Estimated Additional
Polling Stations
Existing Polling
Stations
Additional Polling
Stations as a Per
Cent of Existing
Bulawayo
26
5%
325
8%
Harare
227
46%
830
27%
Manicaland
47
10%
1,297
4%
Mashonaland Central
38
8%
833
5%
Mashonaland East
40
8%
1,037
4%
Mashonaland West
35
7%
1,201
3%
Masvingo
17
3%
1,205
1%
Matabeleland North
11
2%
765
1%
Matabeleland South
16
3%
622
3%
Midlands
32
7%
1,341
2%
Grand Total
489
100%
9,456
5%
Table 5 provides a breakdown of estimated additional polling stations needed by province. Harare
requires nearly half of the new polling stations (227 or 46%) followed by Manicaland (46 or 10%).
The additional polling stations for Harare would mean a 27% increase over the existing number
while for the country as a whole the 489 additional polling stations would only be a 5% increase.
282 additional polling stations would need to be created in urban areas (58%). If you include
Harare South as urban (even though the Census defines it as rural) then the number of additional
urban polling stations increases to 317 or 65%. Annexes 1, 2 and 3 include the estimated number
of additional polling stations required for each ward.
Conclusion
The ZEC is the mandated body responsible for determining the number and locations of the polling
stations. The information provided in this report is intended to support efforts by the ZEC to update
the list of polling stations in advance of the Harmonised Elections in the hope that all eligible voters
have a reasonable access to polling stations and equal opportunity to vote.
In order to enhance transparency in the process and to give voters amble opportunity to be
informed about new polling stations, the ZEC is encouraged to move forward right away with the
process of reviewing the list of polling stations for 2013 Constitutional Referendum and to make
public as soon as possible the updated list of polling stations for the Harmonised Elections.
ZESN also extends its availability for further engagement with the ZEC around this issue as well as
the possibility of further analysis in conjunction with ZEC to support systematic voter registration
drives and civic and voter education by all stakeholders ahead of the Harmonised election to
enhance the access to and participation of citizens in the electoral process.
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