Through its ‘Below the surface’ campaign, BA has unearthed cases of selective and deliberate voter denial actions and misleading information by registration officers. There had also been deliberate denial of some essential registration documents by traditional leaders and public institutions.
The campaign, which secretly began about two months ago, is being held in six provinces – Matabeleland South, North, Bulawayo, Midlands, Masvingo and Mutare.
The exercise is meant to communicate regular updates on voter registration, its challenges and bring authorities in to solve them and ensure a smooth-running process. Spokesman, Thabani Nyoni, said the organisation had observed a lot of irregularities and inconsistencies in the conduct of some institutions regarding voter registration.
“We believe that a lot would need to be changed for Zimbabwe to deliver a legitimate and credible election,” said Nyoni.
Far from just documenting the problems, the organisation also seeks audience with authorities to solve them. “Key issues raised have been around the denial of access to voter registration especially on reasons that the proof of residence is not valid or genuine.”
Nyoni said demand for proof of residence had made the registration process dependent on some institutions that had nothing to do with registration, thereby facilitating administrative denial of registration and voting.
“Zanu (PF) members are allowed to register without obstacles or demands for documents, as registration officers fear loss of jobs,” added the civil rights official.
Post published in: News