12 Jul 2018
With the long-awaited polls just around the corner, it’s important to be well-informed about the procedure and your options before you cast your vote. Here’s a quick guide that also clarifies some of the most common questions.
Why vote in the harmonised election?
Because you can then hold the elected representative accountable for the changes that you want to see in your community.
How do I know if I can cast my vote?
You can only vote from a polling station in your ward and your name must be on the voter’s roll. The electoral roll is comprised of names of all citizens who can vote in a specific ward.
You can check if your name appears in the electoral list on the official website of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), using either your registered name and National ID Card Number or serial number.
Which is my ward and constituency?
Take a look at the map view of all wards and constituencies in Zimbabwe. You can find the corresponding assembly constituency for your ward on this database.
Where is my polling station?
To know your constituency, polling station address and other details, you dial *265# and enter your National ID Number.
Can I vote if I do not have a Voters Registration Slip?
As long as your name is there on the electoral roll, you can vote. In case you do not have your Voter registration slip, you will have to carry a valid ID card when you go to the polling station. The alternative photo ID cards accepted by the Election Commission are:
How do I know who is contesting from my constituency?
It’s important to know who you cast your vote for because they will be representing you in the National Assembly and council for the next five years. If you want to know the names of candidates contesting from your constituency and the parties they represent, find the database of all candidates according to ward and constituency here.
You need to also analyse the work of sitting councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs) in your constituency and ward, you can check all details — including their personal contact information, MP Constituency Development Funds utilisation, details furnished in the election nomination court etc. Reading their profiles, interviews and past achievements will help you make the right decision.
What is the Code of Conduct that all candidates should follow?
The Code of Conduct is a set of instructions announced by the ZEC to be followed by both political parties and candidates contesting elections. These include guidelines and instructions on general conduct, campaigning, meetings and rallies etc.
You can check out the detailed guidelines with respect to each of the above on the website of ZEC on the following link: http://www.zec.org.zw/pages/coc.php
Where can I report if I observe any violation of the code of conduct or any other violations?
If you come across any violation to code of conduct or any election related violation, you can get in touch with the ZEC on +263 242 756252 / 759130 / 774095 or email: inquiries@zec.org.zw or the Local Election Officers. You can also file a complaint with Zimbabwe Republic Police and election monitoring patrol team.
What is the process inside the polling station?
Figure 1 Source: ZEC Website
How to ensure that my vote cast on the Ballot Paper has been correctly recorded?
There will be a list of candidates standing in your constituency. Candidates will be ordered alphabetically. Each candidate will also have the name of the party they are standing for, or whether they are an independent candidate. Mark your ballot paper with an X – not a tick – next to the candidate you would like to vote for. You must vote for only one candidate. However, for the visually impaired as in the 2008 and 2013 elections when they voted in the presence of a police officer and two other electoral officers, ZEC has indicated that it is not providing braille ballot papers for the 2018 elections.
When are polling stations open?
The polling stations are open from 7am in the morning until 7pm at night.
Be an informed and engaged citizen and cast your vote on July 30, 2018.
