Source: Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
In light of the recent announcement that government will take over the procurement of the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) calls upon ZEC to publicize a clear roadmap and timelines on the voter registration process will commence. Given that the 2017 budgetary allocations for ZEC fell far short of expectations and in the absence of clarity from the government on when the kits will be procured there are fears that the whole voter registration process might be seriously delayed thereby affecting preparations for the 2018 Harmonised elections.
ZESN reiterates its view that the procurement of the BVR kits is a crucial exercise that must be given adequate time, transparency and openness to scrutiny by all electoral stakeholders in order to instill trust and confidence and safeguard against the disenfranchisement of any potential voters. The lack of publicity around the sourcing of funds for key electoral processes such as voter education and voter registration will only serve to perpetuate uncertainties around the whole electoral process in Zimbabwe.
It is imperative that the ZEC in its timelines indicates the manner of engagement the Commission will have with the technical partners especially in the rolling out of the BVR exercise. In addition, ZESN calls for consultations with political parties and other electoral stakeholders to ensure that the process is transparent and inclusive.
Moreover, the selection process of the BVR kits vendor either by government or ZEC must be subjected to public observation and scrutiny to enhance trust and confidence in the process. The tender process must adhere to regional and international standards to uphold integrity, credibility, openness, transparency and inclusiveness.
ZESN remains committed to the promotion of democratic electoral processes in Zimbabwe.
Source: Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)