THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) says it picked over 23 000 errors on addresses in the voters roll during an inspection exercise conducted in July.
In a statement, Zec spokesperson Jasper Mangwana said the errors have since been corrected,
“Voter inspection was meant to ensure polling areas can check names so that if there are any objections Zec would act on them,” Mangwana said.
“The purpose of the voters roll inspection done for 10 days in July was to receive such objections from voters in different areas. Zec has made over 23 000 corrections in the voters roll as proved by the gazettes and address standardisation.”
According to statistics released by Zec, as of May 30, 2022, a total of 5 804 376 people had registered to vote.
Data analysts Team Pachedu have exposed various anomalies in the voters roll used in the March 26 by-elections such as individuals being registered as voters using inhabitable places as residences among others.
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Other individuals were registered as voters in two constituencies.
In some cases, people residing at the same house were registered as voters in different constituencies.
Zimbabwe Election Support Network chairperson Andrew Makoni claimed that the anomalies on the voters roll were a wider plot to rig the elections.
“Zec ought to look into these issues and address them. When addressing these issues Zec has to ensure that it does so publicly to ensure accountability and transparency,” Makoni said.
“These issues are raised on public platforms and they affect millions of voters and various stakeholders. There is a need to ensure that those people are convinced on the eligibility of the voters roll ahead of the 2023 elections.”
Election Resource Centre legal and advocacy officer Takunda Tsunga said a credible voters roll was the foundation to any fair election.
“Disputes around the voters roll will in all certainty result in election-related disputes. Unfortunately, Zec has been reluctant to avail an electronic version of the voters roll which is a major concern. The commission must refrain from questionable conduct in its administration of elections,” Tsunga said.