and data recovery and consolidation and mechanisms for the electorate to check their registration
status must be taken for a successful deployment of the technology in Zimbabwe.
Feasibility Study
There is need to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to determine the workability of
biometric voter registration in Zimbabwe. The feasibility study would enable the Commission to
analyse the economic, political, social factors and technical capacity issues and how these will
impact the successful implementation of the BVR system.
Pilot
ZEC should pilot BVR in future by-elections as it prepares to introduce the system in 2018, the
adoption of BVR will go a long way in enhancing transparency and integrity of the voter
registration processes in Zimbabwe. In addition, the pilot would enable the Commission to
determine the possible costs of implementation as well as to receive the views of stakeholders for
incorporation in the final deployment.
Procurement
ZESN notes that this is one of the most critical steps in BVR deployment, in countries (e.g.
Kenya) where they have had challenges with BVR it is mainly as a result of late and/or
inappropriate procurement of equipment. ZESN’s view on procurement is that there must be
clear procedures relating to the composition of the procurement committee, drafting of tender
documents and review of bids. Furthermore, the procurement committee must take into account
the experience of the vendor in handling similar projects and ensure that the vendor conducts a
Site Validation Test of the system before it is rolled out. BVR technologies are an intensive
process hence the process of procuring the vendor and equipment must be done in time.
ZESN chairperson, Ms Irene Petras said that “Procurement is one of the most critical steps in
BVR deployment therefore there is need to ensure that adequate time is allocated for it. In
addition, ZESN calls for a public tender process and public scrutiny of the decision-making
process and engagement of the service provider.”
Staffing, Support, Data recovery and Consolidation
There is need for capacity building of ZEC staff members who will be in charge of the BVR
enrolment process. ZESN notes that training programmes and study tours to countries that have
successfully deployed BVR will be helpful in skills enhancement for ZEC secretariat. ZESN
believes that there must be clearly outlined support mechanisms for data recovery and