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. End//

PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE

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