ZESN was an independent election observer during the referndum.
Addressing journalists at a press conference today on the preliminary findings of the constitutional referendum that was held yesterday, ZESN Chairperson, Solomon Zwana, commended the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for putting together logistical support within a short period.
ZESN deployed 600 observers across the country to monitor the voting process yesterday.
“Though the process is not yet over, we commend ZEC for responding timeously and professionally to concerns of the observers,” he said.
Zwana said the opening of polling stations was smooth with stations having adequate materials to commence voting process.
“There were a few reports of missing materials at polling stations, such as the ZEC stamp and indelible ink but the vast majority of the stations were properly set up. The processing of voters was efficient which reduced the waiting time for most voters,” Zwana said.
However ZESN expressed concern over reports relating to violations of procedures at some polling stations.
“ There were reports of unauthorised persons in the polling stations, ZEC officials lacking identification badges and an incident of a Zanu
(PF) supporter in Mataga, Midlands Province who was taking down names of the people who had voted,” explained Zwana.
ZESN urged ZEC to address the referendum shortcomings before the harmonised elections which are expected later this year.
“Police officers should be deployed outside polling stations, sufficient voter education should be conducted and there should be early decentralisation of the accreditation process,” he said.
Post published in: News