In 2016, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) made a public announcement that they were considering the adoption of a Biometric Voter Registration system. It was further reported that the voter registration exercise would be piloted in March 2017 and rolled out in May 2017 for about seven (7) months.
This is one of several electoral reforms being implemented in Zimbabwe ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections.
Among these are the introduction of polling station based voting, the assumption of complete mandate of voter registration by the ZEC and marginal improvement of ZEC’s independence through direct access to treasury.
However, as the voter registration process draws closer, there are a number of discussions on social, print and electronic media suggesting that Zimbabwe is adopting a Biometric Voting System.
This is completely false and misleading. There will be no biometric voting or biometric identification of voters in 2018.
Zimbabwe is embarking on a Biometric Registration of Voters in 2017, which consequently means all eligible voters must register to ensure they are on the new Voters’ Roll as the current one will be deactivated.
The capturing of biometric data is aimed at limiting possible duplication and improve the identification of voters during voting. If the process is managed well and in accordance with the principles for voter registration, biometric voter registration will boost public confidence and ensure improvements in the conduct of electoral processes in the country.
Various African countries have made great strides in adopting Biometric Voter Registration including Nigeria, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya and Ghana.
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) therefore contends that the upcoming voter registration exercise must conform to international voter registration principles such as: inclusiveness, accessibility, transparency, comprehensiveness, an informed citizenry/electorate, efficiency, among others.
The ERC encourages all stakeholders who include the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the electorate to actively and effectively participate in the upcoming voter registration exercise.
