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This article participates on the following special index pages:
2008 harmonised elections - Index of articles
ZESN
calls for longer inspection of voters roll
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
February
04, 2008
The Zimbabwe Election
Support Network (ZESN) notes the announcement made by the Registrar
General’s office concerning the opening of inspection of the voters’
roll from 1 to 7 February 2008. ZESN is seriously concerned that
the time allocated for the inspection of the voters’ roll is far
too short considering that there are new constituencies and wards
countrywide.
ZESN believes that this time is inadequate and proposes that it
be extended to at least three weeks. ZESN is also deeply concerned
that the inspection of the voters’ roll that started today was only
announced in the print media. Prior to commencing the exercise it
has not been adequately publicized. This might result in most prospective
voters not being able to participate in this crucial exercise. ZESN
believes that advertisements in the print media are not an appropriate
and sufficient medium of communication of this strategic component
of the electoral process. This is especially so when considering
that a large number of Zimbabweans live in remote areas where they
have little, if any, access to newspapers or are too poor to afford
them. It is evident that not all eligible voters will get the opportunity
to inspect and register if the exercise is to be ‘fast-tracked’,
as projected in the announcement by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
(ZEC).
The SADC Principles and
Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections recognise the importance
of full participation of citizens in the political process. It is
with this in mind that ZESN calls on the ZEC to ensure that all
eligible Zimbabweans are registered as voters and are aware of their
respective new wards and constituencies.
ZESN believes
that voter registration processes in particular, inspection should
not be a cosmetic exercise but should be a meaningful and all-inclusive
electoral process in order that it may amply serve its purpose in
the conduct of fair elections. In order for the country to hold
truly democratic, free and fair elections it is necessary for these
processes to be taken seriously and accorded ample time so as to
ensure that an up to date voters’ roll is compiled.
ZESN calls ZEC
to immediately launch a massive education campaign on the need to
inspect the voters’ roll and reiterates on the need to extend the
inspection of the voters’ roll.
ZESN, also still
calls on all Zimbabweans to go out in their numbers to inspect the
voters’ roll and ensure that they know their constituencies and
ward so that they may be able to exercise their right to vote in
the 2008 harmonised elections.
Visit the ZESN
fact
sheet
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