The Electoral Amendment Act places Mudede under the control of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. While the voters’ roll has been a closely guarded secret kept by Mudede, the new Act entitles election candidates to access an electronic constituency voters’ roll. The national voters roll will be available in electronic formula for a reasonable price.
Section 18 (2) of the Electoral Act provides that the RG is subject to the direction and control of ZEC in registering voters. The issue of ghost voters has also been addressed by the new Act.
In the past, the power to remove the deceased from the voters roll rested with the RG but the Electoral Act introduces a new provision that will allow the constituency registrar to remove dead and disqualified voters from the roll.
Mudede has been criticized by international human rights organisations for falsifying voting records to enable Mugabe to remain in power. The RG gained a reputation from foreign journalists as a key player in press censorship and a culpable member of the Mugabe regime for human rights violations.
Mudede has been in charge of all elections held in Zimbabwe since 1980. His critics charge him with manipulating the elections to favour Mugabe, a charge he denies.
Post published in: News