By Albert Mpofu
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) sent a high-level delegation to meet with officials from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) this afternoon. The purpose of the meeting was to address various anomalies identified during the ongoing voters roll inspection in Zimbabwe.
Following thorough investigations, the CCC has unveiled a series of preliminary findings that shed light on the existing discrepancies within the electoral process. These findings, if not resolved promptly, could potentially hinder the prospects of free and fair elections, tentatively scheduled for August this year.
Among the key preliminary findings presented by CCC are as follows:
Process appears to be polling station-based
The current voters roll inspection process seems to be organized on a polling station basis, leading to concerns about the accuracy and inclusiveness of the data.
Incorrect polling stations result in missing names
Individuals who visit the wrong polling station are experiencing the unfortunate consequence of their names not appearing on the voters roll, posing a significant challenge to their right to vote.
Urgent need for updated information
To avoid confusion among citizens, CCC emphasized the imperative for ZEC to promptly communicate any changes, such as new polling stations, to ensure that voters are well-informed and can exercise their democratic rights without hindrance.
USSD system updates
CCC called for immediate updates to the USSD system (#265) to reflect essential changes, including delimitation modifications, transfers, and details pertaining to new voters.
Reliability of physical inspection
While an electronic system exists for voters roll inspection, CCC argued that physical examination provides greater reliability due to concerns surrounding the outdated nature of the electronic system.
Process designed to frustrate citizens
CCC expressed concerns that the current voters roll inspection process appears to be deliberately designed to frustrate citizens. Nonetheless, the organization emphasized the importance for citizens to take proactive measures and inspect the roll before the looming deadline of May 31st, 2023.
Higher expectations from ZEC
With the aim of upholding democratic standards, CCC urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to perform at a higher level and address the identified issues promptly and effectively.
Demands for transparency and independent audit
In a bold move, CCC demanded that ZEC release the electronic voters’ roll for public scrutiny and conduct an independent audit to ensure its accuracy and credibility.
Concerns of voter intimidation
CCC also raised concerns over reports of voter intimidation by Zanu PF and its affiliated group, FAZ, targeting citizens who wish to inspect the voters’ roll. Such acts of intimidation undermine the democratic process and need to be addressed urgently.
CCC’s primary objective is to foster an environment conducive to free and fair elections, and they firmly believe that the first step towards achieving this goal is to ensure an accurate and up-to-date voters’ roll. In addition, the organization advocates for an end to voter intimidation to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
