·
To improve public oversight, citizen participation and plural sources of accurate
information,ZEC needs to simplify and speed up the process of approving voter
educators. Parliament must amend section 40C of the Electoral Act to substantively
define what is meant by 'adequate, current and correct' voting material to safeguard
against subjective prejudice. ZEC must also clear voter education materials within seven
working days to facilitate the ease of doing voter education.
·
To improve accessibility, inclusivity and completeness, ZEC must increase mobile voter
registration facilities devoid of rural bias as provided for in section 17 A (2) (a) of the
Electoral Act as this is a preferred mode of registration by citizens with easy access. ZEC
must also adopt the concept of 'voter registration weekends' whereby designated
periods around the country (including urban areas) are put in place for sweeping voter
registration as practiced in South Africa.
·
For the abundance of caution in improving transparency and integrity in voter
registration, the law should clearly spell out that traditional leaders, members of the
security sector, party officials and graduates from the Border Gezi Training Camps should
not be allowed to assist ZEC in carrying out voter registration. Such legal clarity is going
to inspire public confidence given the sordid past of the aforementioned in the previous
elections.
Enhancing Transparency in Zimbabwe's Electoral Processes:
Voter Registration, Voting and Results Management
info@zesn.net zesn2011@zesn.net www.zesn.org.zw