Political Correspondent
The Elections Resource Centre (ERC) has expressed significant concerns regarding proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act that aim to implement automatic voter registration for 18-year-olds ahead of the 2028 elections.
These amendments would shift the responsibility for voter registration from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Civil Registry Department.
Data Privacy Issues
One of the primary concerns raised by the ERC is related to data privacy. The organization argues that the proposed changes could violate the Cyber and Data Protection Act, which mandates that personal information can only be processed with the individual’s consent. Currently, voter registration requires individuals to provide personal and biometric data voluntarily at registration centers. The new proposals, however, appear to bypass this consent requirement, raising alarms about the potential misuse of personal data.
Independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
The ERC also warns that transferring voter registration responsibilities could undermine the independence of the ZEC. They advocate for a collaborative approach where the ZEC works alongside the Civil Registry Department without relinquishing its voter registration functions. The ERC suggests that the government should enhance cooperation between these entities through policy changes rather than a complete transfer of responsibilities.
Recommendations for Improvement
To improve voter registration processes, the ERC has made several recommendations:
- Funding for Voter Registration: The government should allocate sufficient resources to the ZEC for periodic voter registration drives, particularly in areas with low registration rates.
- Partnerships with Civil Society: The ERC encourages the ZEC to collaborate with civil society organizations, citing successful mass registration efforts in previous elections.
- Public Consultation: The ERC calls for extensive public consultations regarding the proposed amendments and the establishment of a roadmap for the upcoming elections, including timelines for public input and a multi-stakeholder platform to coordinate these efforts.
These recommendations aim to ensure that the electoral process remains transparent, inclusive, and respectful of citizens’ rights.
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