The results showed only modest differences in the levels of intent to vote in a next election between the
two main parties and the undeclared vote. The ‘my vote is my secret’ category was situated roughly
halfway between the two main parties (Table 15). In all three vote groups respondents are more
motivated to vote in next elections than in a referendum.
In terms of the reasons for intending to vote a larger proportion of ZANU‐PF supporters than of the
MDC‐T reported that they will be voting because they have no choice, because the political principals
instruct them to vote. An analysis of ‘who’ it is that express this sentiment reveals that it is
overwhelmingly either ZANU‐PF supporters or those that say their vote is their secret that report being
instructed to vote. Row percentages show that 43% of these respondents are ‘Secreters’ and 41% ZANU‐
PFers. Only 8% of MDC‐T supporters noted that they vote because they are told to do it. MDC‐T
supporters largely held the sentiment that they vote out of hope that this act will help bring change.
Voter registration
A relatively high proportion of Zimbabweans continue to claim that they are registered as voters. In
2012 a total of 77% said they are registered as voters (Q55). This compared with the 83% in the 2010 FH
survey. In addition:
Only one‐quarter of these registered voters have inspected the voters roll in ‘the last 12 months’
to confirm that their registration details are still in order.
Three‐quarters of those who say they are currently not registered but eligible expressed intent
still to go and vote in order to participate in a next election.
The foremost reasons for currently not being registered are not being in possession of a national
identity document (by far the biggest reasons, claimed by about 33% of those who are not
registered), simply not being interested to register (21% of those who are not registered) and
inability to get to the required place to do the registration (10% of those who are not
registered).
An age disaggregation of status as registered voter reveals that there are disproportionately low levels
of voter registration in the two age categories of 18‐25 years and 26‐35 years old – with less than half of
the 18‐15 year olds registered at the time of the survey. The specifics for the age categories are:
18‐25 year olds: 44% registered
26‐35 year olds: 77% registered
36‐45 year olds: 91% registered
46‐55 year olds: 93% registered
56‐65 year olds: 97% registered
66 years and older: 93% registered
A dissection of the age categories and party vote shows that of the 18‐25 year olds, only 17% at the time
of the survey declared their intent to support the MDC‐T in elections that would have taken place on the
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