According to a survey conducted by the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, 27 percent of voters registered on the current roll are dead. The computer test by ZESN revealed that 2,344 of registered voters were born between 1901 and 1909 and are therefore aged between 101 and 110. It also revealed nine people born between 1890 and 1900 aged between 111 and 120 years old were still on the voters’ roll.
Kenya had a similar situation and established a biometric voting process that uses a computerised ID system.
The biometric system is also known for doing away with multiple registrations because it can easily detect duplicates.
ZESN Director, Rindai Chipfunde -Vava, said the current voters roll needed a complete overhaul to guarantee transparency and accessibility of the registration process, through the adoption of a biometric voting system.
“The biometric system will increase transparency and enhance the credibility of the voters’ roll. It is one of the most efficient voting systems but in some countries it took years and donor assistance to establish,” she said.
A South African company has reportedly offered to install a $20 million biometric voter registration system Zimbabwe. Even though it is still unclear if the country will adopt it, political parties are in support of the adoption of the biometric voters roll.
MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora, said there was enough time for the country to establish a credible voters roll.
“There is no rush. If putting up a computerized voters’ roll which is not prone to manipulation is worthwhile, let us take our time and adopt it. A free and fair election is the anchor for democracy and mechanisms guaranteeing a credible plebiscite should be a pre-requisite before we go to the polls.”
Mavambo Party President, Dr Simba Makoni, said a biometric voters’ roll was would stop voters being manipulated.
“Any measure that curbs manipulation of the election is what we want, though no system is foolproof.”
Pertaining to the feasibility of the suggested system, Makoni said resources were never sufficient and it would be a matter of prioritising our needs.
“Economic resources are never adequate, but a nation has to put its priorities in order. The Minister of Finance Tendai Biti has allocated only $50m, which is grossly insufficient. I am made to believe that Biti was looking for donor assistance in this regard. So, at least something encouraging can be done to make the Biometric system feasible,” he said.
However, MDC-N Elections Director, Ellen Shiriyedenga, said there was a lack of resources to implement a biometric voters’ roll in time for the coming ballot.
“The biometric system cleans up the voters’ roll but the country lacks the economic capacity to meet the required logistical needs. Adopting a biometric system will not be that simple,” she said.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Mary Kashumba
Quelle/Source: The Zimbabwean, 04.12.2012
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