Voting in referendum closes, collation and verification of ballots begins

Voting has closed at most polling stations in the country. Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Rita Makarau said collation and verification of ballots has started except in a few polling stations where voting was delayed due to various challenges.

Earlier ZEC announced that voting in the referendum was generally peaceful and progressing well, despite facing a number of challenges with regards to the opening of polling stations in some provinces.

Addressing a press conference late afternoon at the National Command Centre at the HICC, Justice Makarau said bad weather delayed and affected the opening of polling stations in Mashonaland Central province where heavy rains have been the order of the day.

"A temporary voting structure in Mt Darwin collapsed in one of the polling stations in the province, and as I speak, communication lines are down in Mashonaland Central province," she said.

Justice Makarau said in Matabeleland provinces, some ballot papers arrived late as a result of delays in the procurement of fuel and vehicle breakdowns.

In Harare some polling stations could not open on time because tents were pitched late, while some accredited observers were refusing to sign the ZEC attendance registers at some polling stations.

The ZEC boss said as a result of these challenges and delays, some polling stations have been directed to continue with the voting process until 10:30pm. She said standby generators will be organised for those particular polling stations.

Commenting on the voter turnout, Justice Makarau said it has been average so far, with the number of voters increasing as the day progressed. She added that high voter turnout was recorded in urban high density suburbs.

Justice Makarau said results of the referendum will be announced by the Chief Elections Officer, Mr Lovemore Sekeramayi, starting at 12 midday tomorrow (Sunday), after having done all the necessary collation.