News / National
Referendum vote counting complete
17 Mar 2013 at 12:03hrs | Views
Vote counting is complete in all polling stations across the country, with the collation of results having started in various constituencies and districts.
Addressing a press conference at the National Command Centre in Harare just after midday, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau said collation of results is progressing smoothly at district level but the process is still at constituency level in some areas.
She said in Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central provinces, collation has moved constituency level, except in Mbire ward 1, 4 and 11 where there have been challenges ranging from fear of wild animals and bad weather characterised by heavy rains and full rivers.
The ZEC boss said in Matabeleland South, collation has moved to the constituency centre, except for a few polling stations which have experienced fuel challenges and these include Umzingwane, Insiza and Mangwe.
In Gokwe, ZEC said challenges have included bad weather and difficult terrain.
Justice Makarau, however, said these challenges are being addressed.
In Harare and Bulawayo, ZEC says collating has moved to district centres in most polling stations.
Justice Makarau also reiterated that despite challenges faced by the commission, results will be announced within five days of polling as stipulated by the law.
The ZEC boss said the commission is fairly happy with the voting process for the adoption or rejection of the draft constitution which was generally peaceful, adding that the electoral body hopes the situation will be the same when the nation goes for general elections.
Justice Makarau said she estimates that more than 2 million Zimbabweans took part in the referendum exercise.
Meanwhile, the ZEC boss confirmed an unfortunate incident where some polling officers in Harare and Masvingo have reacted to the ink used during the election process, but said they have since been treated.
ZEC has since instituted an inquiry into this incident by taking samples for forensic examinations.
Addressing a press conference at the National Command Centre in Harare just after midday, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau said collation of results is progressing smoothly at district level but the process is still at constituency level in some areas.
She said in Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central provinces, collation has moved constituency level, except in Mbire ward 1, 4 and 11 where there have been challenges ranging from fear of wild animals and bad weather characterised by heavy rains and full rivers.
The ZEC boss said in Matabeleland South, collation has moved to the constituency centre, except for a few polling stations which have experienced fuel challenges and these include Umzingwane, Insiza and Mangwe.
In Gokwe, ZEC said challenges have included bad weather and difficult terrain.
Justice Makarau, however, said these challenges are being addressed.
Justice Makarau also reiterated that despite challenges faced by the commission, results will be announced within five days of polling as stipulated by the law.
The ZEC boss said the commission is fairly happy with the voting process for the adoption or rejection of the draft constitution which was generally peaceful, adding that the electoral body hopes the situation will be the same when the nation goes for general elections.
Justice Makarau said she estimates that more than 2 million Zimbabweans took part in the referendum exercise.
Meanwhile, the ZEC boss confirmed an unfortunate incident where some polling officers in Harare and Masvingo have reacted to the ink used during the election process, but said they have since been treated.
ZEC has since instituted an inquiry into this incident by taking samples for forensic examinations.
Source - zbc
