By Kelvin Kasiwulaya
Gweru-The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has kick-started its voter education campaign in preparation for the harmonized elections scheduled for 7am, 23 August 2023.
The electoral body, began it’s campaign in the Midlands Capital today, with its officials spreading posters and encouraging residents to vote.
The posters provide information on the necessary documents voters must have, for them to be eligible to vote.
“For on to vote one should have one of these, a plastic, or metal Zimbabwean Identity card, the green identify card( Chitupa chebepa) whose photo is authentic or valid Zimbabwean passport.
“Voting will start on the 23rd of August 2023 from 7am to 7pm,” reads part of the poster.
The posters also encouraged women to participate in the upcoming plebiscite.
“Vhotai Vanhukadzi Vhotai, translated Vote Women vote, your vote is your right,”
ZEC officials also took to shopping centres in Mtapa, Mkoba, Ascot, and Northlea, educating the electorate about procedures in the polling booth, emphasizing the importance of not wearing party paraphernalia at polling station.
To avoid misinformation, ZEC also encouraged the electorate to contact them if they required any information on electoral process.
“For more information call ZEC on +263 242 774 095 or 759 130 or 77796 18 or on our website www.zec.org.zw,” reads a poster stuck at Mtapa Shopping Centre.
ZEC’s campaign is also in tandem with the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) an independent election watchdog, which views voter education as a fundamental factor in building a functional democracy.
In their own words, ZESN states that “voter education is the cornerstone of free, fair and credible elections.”
They believe that educating citizens on their right to vote and how to exercise that right is crucial in ensuring that elections are transparent and inclusive.
ZESN has been working tirelessly to promote voter education across Zimbabwe, particularly in areas where literacy rates are low and access to information is limited.
They have been conducting campaigns, workshops, and training sessions to equip citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills to participate in the electoral process.
In addition to educating citizens on how to vote, ZESN also seeks to raise awareness on the importance of holding elected officials accountable and the need for transparent and fair electoral processes.
The election watchdog notes that, a well-educated and informed electorate is the backbone of a healthy and functional democracy.
As they put it, “ZESN is committed to ensuring that all Zimbabweans are educated on their democratic rights and are empowered to make informed choices at the ballot box.”
Through their efforts in voter education, ZESN is working towards a Zimbabwe where elections are free, fair, and credible, and where citizens are active participants in the democratic process.