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This article participates on the following special index pages:
2008 harmonised elections - Index of articles
Zimbabwean
civil groups urge voters in SA to go home and vote
Tererai Karimakwenda, SW Radio Africa
February 07, 2008
http://www.swradioafrica.com/news070208/civilgroups070208.htm
n view of the
fact that the Mugabe regime has refused to allow Zimbabweans in
the diaspora the right to vote in the March elections, several civil
organisations from Zimbabwe were in South Africa on Wednesday, where
they launched the "Get Out and Vote" campaign. Tando
Ncube, from the National
Constitutional Assembly (NCA), said the launch was intended
to improve electoral participation by the diaspora population and
by their families back home.
The idea was
to encourage those who can travel to go home to vote because the
diaspora population has now reached the millions. It is believed
the majority of these voters would favour the opposition, given
that the ruling party is responsible for the failed policies that
drove them away from home. This is why ZANU-PF has insisted that
no-one outside Zimbabwe will be able to vote on March 29.
The launch took
place at the Park Station in Johannesburg, a busy spot for traders
from Zimbabwe. An estimated 600 Zimbabweans had gathered there by
the time it ended. Ncube said: "The venue was strategically
chosen. There were those that were passing through and it's
also a marketplace. So some were doing their chores at the same
time listening to the messages that were being given."
Ncube admitted
that there is a problem posed by the fact that most Zimbabweans
in South Africa do not have legal documents and would find it difficult
to travel home and back again. "So the agenda went a step
further to say that if you can't go to vote, send a message
back home encouraging them to vote so that they can change and shape
our destiny."
Among the civil
groups participating were:
Some South African
groups, including COSATU and the Communist Party, also contributed
in solidarity with the ongoing crisis in Zimbabwe.
Back in Zimbabwe,
the Nomination Courts that were scheduled for Friday February 8th
have been moved to Friday February 15th. This is for registration
of candidates seeking to run in the presidential, parliamentary
and council elections on March 29th. The deadline for inspection
of the voters' roll and registration, which was originally
Thursday February 7th, has been extended by a week to Thursday February
14th.
It is important
to remember that if your details are not correctly registered, you
will not be able to vote. All individuals above 18 are legally allowed
to vote and should also register.
To inspect or
to register, you need to bring the following:
- Identity
document - metal or synthetic; passport or Drivers license
- Proof of
residence in form of a Utility bill (ZESA or Water bill statement)
- Letter from
a parent or landlord if the statement does not reflect your name.
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