Significant number of assisted voters recorded in Mazowe North

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network has indicated that there has been a significant number of assisted voters in the just ended Mazowe North by elections.

ZESN said it  observed the Mazowe North National Assembly by-election as part of its watchdog role in promoting democratic elections in Zimbabwe.

"The seat became vacant following the death on March 17, 2016 of Member of Parliament Edgar Chidavaenzi. In accordance with the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], Section 39 (1) the seat was declared vacant and a by-election was set for 23 July, 2016. The Nomination court sat in Bindura on 27 May, 2016 and ZANU PF and Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ) were duly nominated to contest in the by election.

"ZESN deployed 21 static (at ward and constituency collation centres) and mobile observers to observe the National Assembly by-election in Mazowe North Constituency to measure compliance with the Constitution and Electoral Laws. The mobile observer teams assessed the political environment outside of the polling stations. ZESN's election observers adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and carry out their duties in
conformity to the Electoral Laws of Zimbabwe," reads ZESN statement.

"The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) set up a total of 33 polling stations for the by-election. In all areas ZESN observed, polling stations opened on time and opening procedures such as checking ballot boxes and ballot papers were duly followed. There was adequate polling personnel and sufficient voting materials at all polling stations that ZESN visited and observed, with at least six polling officials. Furthermore, observers reported that crucial procedures such as verification of ballot papers, checking of names in the voters' roll, marking of fingers with indelible ink using marker pens and secret ballot were conducted according to the Law."

ZESN said of concern, observers stationed at polling stations (static observers) were again made to sign the official secrecy declaration forms before voting started.

"According to Sections 86 and 87 of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] electoral officers, candidates and political party agents are required to sign the forms. The provisions in the Electoral Act do not apply to observers," said ZESN.

"Political parties contesting the by-election were allowed to have one election agent inside the polling station and an additional agent stationed within the vicinity of the polling station. At all polling stations where ZESN observed ZANU PF had party agents while the RDZ had agents at most polling stations except at Craiglea Farm in Ward 29. ZESN notes that it is imperative for parties to deploy election agents as it enables them to fully assess all the Election Day processes and their conformity to national legislation, regional and international standards for credible elections."

ZESN said it observed that in some areas voters had to walk long distances in some instances of more than 5km to get to their assigned polling stations under the new polling station based voting system.

"ZESN mobile teams observed some voters being transported by tractors and lorries to designated polling stations, for example they were three tractors at Edmon Storn and two lorries Mvurwi Country club polling stations ferrying voters," said ZESN.