The system confines voters from particular areas to specific polling stations within a ward. Giving their submissions at a public meeting jointly organised by Zimbabwe Election Support Network and Platform for Youth Development, youths said they were afraid the system would expose the electorate to victimisation and political violence.
One of the participants, Artwell Chingwara, said polling the voting system was risky as it was easy for political parties to follow up on voters.
“If a party candidate loses at a particular polling station, it is easy to know and follow up on all the people who cast their votes at the station,” Chingwara said.
He added that this was likely to discourage people from voting due to fear of intimidation and harassment by state security agents and Zanu (PF) activists.
Another young participant, Takawira Mupakati, said confining voters to one polling station was likely to make it easier for the perpetrators of violence to target outspoken villagers.
Elsie Mabharera said that the voting system was riskier for women who cannot defend themselves against harassment. “At least men are able to defend themselves but women are vulnerable. This law should not see the day otherwise we will be butchered by these politicians and militias,” she said.
The Electoral Amendment Bill, which provides for polling-station based voting, was passed by both Parliament and Senate. Under the new law the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is compelled to announce presidential election results within five days of polling. The new Bill also establishes an Electoral Court to speedily deal with any electoral disputes.
Post published in: News