Widespread voter apathy reflects information deficit

THERE is massive apathy among the youth on electoral processes, and analysts say only massive voter education awareness campaigns can reverse the trend.

Youth constitute the majority of eligible voters but a survey in Hwange shows lack of interest in electoral processes in the district.

In the survey, others say lack of information on voter registration is another disincentive.

This comes at a time when the country is heading for March 26 by-elections to fill 105 municipal and 28 parliamentary seats.

Voter registration is provided for in section 17A of the Electoral Act.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) recently announced dates for mobile voter registration, which will run in two phases — February 1-28, and April 1130, 2022.

Lack of information on voter registration, including pessimism on the outcome of elections, is to blame for the low turnout during voter registration in the Matabeleland region.

People in such areas as Hwange rural are not aware of what is happening, which is why we are advocating for mobile registration centers in different areas.

Community-based initiatives are needed to drive voter education.

The absence of sustainable community-based initiatives that mobilise citizens, particularly youths, first-time voters and women, to participate in electoral processes has led to widespread voter apathy and lack of confidence in the electoral systems.

This is the elephant in the room. The solution is bringing voter registration closer to the electorate.

CSOs, including the clergy and other interest groups, should work together in voter education campaigns.

There is also a need for CSOs in Hwange to also accredit with Zec so that they will be able to carry out voter education.

According to the Electoral Act, only accredited CSOs are mandated to conduct voter education.

On January 7, Zec approved 76 CSOs to conduct voter education.

Voter education in Zimbabwe is provided for in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Section 239(h) of the Constitution provides for Zec to conduct and supervise voter education.

Section 40B(1)(b) of the Electoral Act also provides that Zec must ensure that the voter education provided by others is adequate, accurate, and unbiased.

Furthermore, Section 40B(3) provides that Zec “may permit any person to assist it in providing voter education”.

However, the Citizen Bulletin has gathered that there is no CSO in Hwange which has been accredited to conduct voter education in the district.