ZEC secures $7.59 million for BVR kits

Treasury has released $7.59 million for the acquisition of 3000 biometric voter registration (BVR) kits in preparation for the 2018 harmonised elections.

This was disclosed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau in Harare this Thursday.

The elections administration body signed an agreement for the supply of 1500 BVR kits with China's Laxton Group of companies on the 14th of June.

Due to the lapsing of time to prepare for the elections, ZEC decided to increase the number of BVR kits to 3000 to ensure that the registration exercise will be done efficiently and timeously.

Justice Makarau dismissed reports by some sections of the media alleging that the electoral  body is retendering for BVR kits, saying there is no such thing.

Instead, she said ZEC is actually tendering for the acquisition of an automated finger print identification system.

The system identifies finger prints and if they have been used, it will identify that they have already been used and help detect double or multiple registration and ultimately prevent double or multiple voting.

Justice Makarau said there is no need to confuse tenders for other items, adding that the BVR kits which have already been procured should be arriving in the country soon in time for voter registration.

Voter registration will also be carried out simultaneously in all the country's provinces once the kits arrive to ensure necessary preparations in time.