By Albert Mpofu
Gladys Hlatywayo Advocates Vigilance among Zimbabwean Citizens
In a defiant act against the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Gladys Hlatywayo, an official of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), stood her ground today as she demanded access to physically view her name on the voters roll. Hlatywayo’s determination to exercise her rights sparked a conversation about transparency and accountability within the electoral process.
Hlatywayo took to social media to share her ordeal, stating that ZEC officials initially denied her access to her own details without citing specific legal provisions. Undeterred, she passionately argued against this denial, drawing attention to President Mnangagwa’s personal inspection of the voters roll. She firmly asserted that she, as a citizen, should be afforded the same privilege, refusing to accept second-class treatment.
“After several phone calls and consultations with the police,” Hlatywayo revealed, “they finally showed me my details.” Her experience shed light on a concerning observation she made earlier at the Girls High Inspection Centre, where sheets of ZANU PF primary election results were displayed outside the inspection venue. Hlatywayo promptly protested and urged ZEC officials to remove the papers, citing their potential to erode public confidence in the commission.
Gladys Hlatywayo’s message of vigilance quickly gained traction throughout Zimbabwe, with citizens being encouraged to visit their respective polling stations and verify their names on the voters roll. She urged them not to settle for unanswered questions and to persistently demand clarity from ZEC officials until they obtain the necessary information. She further emphasized the importance of not leaving the polling stations until receiving confirmation of registration.
Fadzayi Mahere, spokesperson for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), echoed Hlatywayo’s call for vigilance and transparency. The organization supports the active participation of citizens in the electoral process, urging them to hold ZEC accountable for maintaining an accurate and accessible voters roll.
