ZLHR Protests Plot to Undermine Secrecy of the Vote

ZLHR Protests Plot to Undermine Secrecy of the Vote

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ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has raised concern over the decision by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to redesign polling booths so that voters cast their vote in the full view of ZEC officials.

In a letter written to ZEC on Wednesday 17 July 2018, ZLHR protested that the redesigning of the positioning of polling booths, where voters will cast their votes in a manner where election officers can see them, will undermine the secrecy of the ballot as guaranteed in section 67 of the Constitution.

ZLHR said the secrecy of the vote will only be guaranteed if all voters feel secure to cast their votes in secret, where no-one can observe them choosing a candidate of their choice.

The human rights organisation said the location of the polling booths will greatly affect the confidence of some voters who may become vulnerable and doubtful of the secrecy of the votes they cast.

ZLHR noted that some voters may be exposed to random acts of intimidation by some political party functionaries as those living in remote and outlying areas may not access adequate voter education on the change in the positioning of the polling booth and how the secrecy of their vote will remain guaranteed.

ZLHR urged ZEC to revert to the previous set up where polling booths allowed voters to vote in secret behind a polling booth where no ZEC official can observe them.

 

ENDS

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

Kodzero/Amalungelo House

No. 103 Sam Nujoma (2nd) Street, Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone: (+263 8677005347, +263 242 764085/705370/708118

Email: info@zlhr.org.zw

www.zlhr.org.zw

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