Zimbabwe political parties welcome biometric voter registration

A cross section of political parties in the country have welcomed the biometric voter registration (BVR), which is set to be used in next year's general election.

Speaking at an election policy dialogue facilitated by the Election Resource Centre in Harare today representatives of different political parties highlighted the need for Zimbabweans to embrace technology.

"We believe that technology if used properly will enhance the quality of our elections There is nothing sinister about BVR," said Jacob Mufure of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

MDC-T Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora also concurred on the need to embrace technology, adding the biometric voting registration has always been a demand from his party.

"The BVR has been a demand of the MDC-T, it is the fastest way of getting a new voters role," he said.

"Let us go the BVR way," National People's Party Spokesperson, Jelous Mawarire weighed in.

However, Edwin Mushoriwa of the MDC and Elton Mangoma of the Renewal Democratic Party dismissed the BVR, saying there is not enough time to implement the technology before the next election.

"ZEC [Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) cannot prepare any voters roll that will pass the test," Mangoma said.

The use of BVR is regarded the best in line with international voter registration and ZEC is  pushing for it ahead of the 2018 general elections.