30 Electoral system and processes by way of proportional representation. The fundamental changes introduced by the new electoral system are likely to cause considerable confusion among voters, and the number of spoiled ballots could increase dramatically, particularly if voter education is not escalated immediately. 2.17.2 Access to the final updated voters’ rolls It is of immense concern that four days before the harmonised elections, the final voters’ rolls have not been provided to political parties and observers despite request and promises to avail them by ZEC. Such access allows for audits, confirmation of the integrity of the roll, and allows for any amendments to be made where errors are found. The R-G has continued to privatise the voters roll. He has through print media advised the nation that 6,4 million voters have been registered.152 ZEC must immediately reign in the R-G and provide access to assuage fears of manipulation of the voters’ roll. 2.17.3 Slow pace of polling and insufficient polling stations In view of the number of ballot papers for voters, the pace of actual casting of ballot papers might be very slow, complicated and laborious, making it impossible for everyone to exercise their right in one day. This is especially so if we are to believe that the number of registered voters now exceeds 6 million Zimbabweans. Polling must be conducted for a continuous 12 hours from opening; however it is the norm that all potential voters still in the queue at the time of closing must be served before the polling station closes. It is vital for ZEC to ensure that its polling officers at each and every polling station are aware of this and will respect this in order to allow all voters to cast their ballots. ZEC must also be prepared to obtain court approval on short notice to extend the days for polling for more than one day and must reassure the public in this regard. The actual polling can only be done at a polling station within the local authority ward in which the voter is registered as a result of the harmonisation.153There are a total of 1958 wards around the country.154It is unlikely that there will be adequate polling stations despite the fact that ZEC provided a provisional list of polling stations indicating that at least 9670 polling stations have been created. Although the number of registered voters has increased dramatically, there has not been a proportional increase in the number of polling stations to service them. ZEC must take all reasonable measures necessary to urgently address this. Other problems will include accessibility for those who are involved in employment that involves a lot of travelling.155There is also a need to widely publicise polling stations – L Gumbo “Over 6,4 to cast votes: Mudede” The Herald (22 July 2013) available at <http://www.herald.co.zw/over-64-million-to-cast-votes-mudede/> Last accessed 29 July 2013. 153 Section 56(1) of the Electoral Act as amended. 154“ZEC Election notice” Newsday (24 July 2013) p C1. 155 Section 56(1) of the Electoral Act, as amended; Section 61A(5) of the Constitution. 152