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2008 harmonised elections initial observations
Zimbabwe Election Support Network
March 29, 2008

Harare - As of 15h00 on Election Day the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (ZESN) had received reports on a number of incidents. ZESN is concerned about any incidents of violence and intimidation and urges all Zimbabweans to remain calm. Although the presence of police officers at polling stations is to maintain order, ZESN remains concerned that the deployment of large numbers of security forces as reported in Makoni Central constituency could lead to voter intimidation. ZESN is continuing to observe the process across Zimbabwe and as appropriate provide additional update. Once the process of voting and counting is complete ZESN will issue a preliminary statement on the pre-election and election day period.

ZESN has received a disturbing report from Insiza North Constituency involving a shooting incident after an altercation between the opposition and ruling party supporters during an MDC Mutambara rally held on the eve of the elections. The altercation resulted in the death of a passerby who was hit by an MDC vehicle which had been allegedly shot at by ZANU PF supporters.

ZESN also received another disturbing incident from Bulawayo that the home of ZANU PF candidate for Emakhandeni-Entumbani was bombed in the early hours of this morning.

Incidents of intimidation were recorded in Chegutu West Constituency at Lowood Farm Polling Station where a ZANU PF polling agent was advising people on how to vote. Similar reports were recorded in Mudzi Constituency at Nyemanyora Polling Station.

ZESN has received reports which show that a number of people were turned away for reasons including wrong wards, wrong identification particulars like drivers' licences or photocopied IDs, or, in the case of some polling stations, failure to produce renunciation certificates for those foreign born.

Inconsistencies in the voters' roll were also noted. For example, one couple previously registered under Mt Pleasant discovered that one of the spouses' name was moved to Harare West. However, she managed to get help from the ZEC Command Centre in Mt Pleasant. Parents and their children were registered in different wards and constituencies.

Although polling stations visited opened on time, Glenview South Constituency at Glenview 3 Primary School, and DRC Shopping Centre Polling Station in Hwange Central Constituency opened late. At Haig Park School, Barham Green and Maphisa some party polling agents were turned away allegedly because ZEC had not accredited them. At Haig Park School this was resolved after the intervention of MDC Tsvangirai senior officials.

ZESN also noted that there is inconsistency in the application of procedures by ZEC at the various polling stations, for example, in Harare Central voters were allowed to vote with registration certificates while in Mbare stations would not allow that.

ZESN also noted that in Mazowe South Constituency at Summerdale Polling Station there were some campaign materials within 100 metres.

ZESN continues to urge the electorate to go and exercise their democratic right to vote.

Visit the ZESN fact sheet

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