The government is in the process of crafting a revised information and communication technology policy framework. Zimbabwe first launched its national ICT Policy Framework in 2007, but the document was overtaken by developments in the fast-growing sector.
Speaking at a National Research Prioritisation Stakeholders workshop in Harare on Thursday, Dzinotyiweyi said proposals to support research institutions had already been presented to the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.
He said the process needed to be well structured for a reasonable period for results to be realised.
The revised information and communication technology policy framework seeks to give strategic direction for sustainable national development through the application of ICTs.
The policy will replace the one formulated in 2005 so as to accommodate recent sectorial developments.
The team has been holding consultative meetings with stakeholders throughout the country on the ICT policy since June this year.
The draft policy is expected to be presented to Cabinet once all the views gathered have been consolidated into the document.
This article advances the argument that embracing new, simple and cost-effective technology can provide a solution to some of the problems afflicting the electoral process.
Concerns have been raised in past elections about “zombie” (deceased voters apparently “voting” from the grave), individuals engaging in double or multiple voting and inflated voting figures. It is important that allegations and the incidence of fraud, double or multiple voting, etc raised in the last presidential and parliamentary elections are not repeated in the next crucial elections.
Read more: ZW: A march towards transparent, credible elections