News / National
MDC welcomes Biometric voting system
12 May 2016 at 03:23hrs | Views
The MDC has welcome plans by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to introduce the biometric voting system for the 2018 elections.
In a statement MDC spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi said however while we welcome the move and give it our full support as the system deals with multiple registrations and double voting, which have been the bane of our electoral system, it is important to note that the biometric system alone cannot address the plethora of challenges currently affecting our electoral environment.
"The system needs to be complemented by a supporting environment, including security reforms and full implementation of electoral reforms as prescribed in the electoral act," said Chihwayi.
"It is our view that BVR addresses only part of the problem in our electoral system and a lot still needs to be done to improve it. BVR will not deal with the militarism that pervades our politics and the freedom and security of the voter, before, during and after voting. It will not deal with the presence of state security personnel at polling stations as is usually the case, which only serves to heighten fear and intimidation of voters."
Chihwayi said the BVR will not deal with the partisan coverage by public media which is currently just a preserve of Zanu PF and it will not address availability of the voters roll.
"Electoral bodies, electoral funding, voter education, voter registration; observation and monitoring; access to public media, counting and post -election happenings, freedom and security of the voter - are some factors still heavily skewed in favour of Zanu PF," Chihwayi.
"We further advise ZEC to ensure there are proper resources in place to facilitate the smooth running of the system. It must be preceded by a comprehensive voter education exercise and engagements involving all stakeholders including the electorate and political parties."
In a statement MDC spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi said however while we welcome the move and give it our full support as the system deals with multiple registrations and double voting, which have been the bane of our electoral system, it is important to note that the biometric system alone cannot address the plethora of challenges currently affecting our electoral environment.
"The system needs to be complemented by a supporting environment, including security reforms and full implementation of electoral reforms as prescribed in the electoral act," said Chihwayi.
"It is our view that BVR addresses only part of the problem in our electoral system and a lot still needs to be done to improve it. BVR will not deal with the militarism that pervades our politics and the freedom and security of the voter, before, during and after voting. It will not deal with the presence of state security personnel at polling stations as is usually the case, which only serves to heighten fear and intimidation of voters."
Chihwayi said the BVR will not deal with the partisan coverage by public media which is currently just a preserve of Zanu PF and it will not address availability of the voters roll.
"Electoral bodies, electoral funding, voter education, voter registration; observation and monitoring; access to public media, counting and post -election happenings, freedom and security of the voter - are some factors still heavily skewed in favour of Zanu PF," Chihwayi.
"We further advise ZEC to ensure there are proper resources in place to facilitate the smooth running of the system. It must be preceded by a comprehensive voter education exercise and engagements involving all stakeholders including the electorate and political parties."
Source - Byo24News
