practices (5-10%) and raised concerns of accountability of unused ballots. The hopes that ZEC will account for the ballots to the satisfaction of stakeholders and all interested parties. 64. The AUEOM further noted that a significant number of local government ballot booklets had missing ballot papers and were not serially identified. One such case was noted at a polling station at Town House where two local government ballot booklets had only 99 papers instead of 100. High incidence of voters referred to command centre 65. The AUEOM noted with great concern the high incidence of voters who were turned away at polling stations. Illustrative of this widespread phenomenon, in a polling station in Gwanda, Matebeleland South, 85 voters were referred to the Command centre. Reasons adduced by polling officers varied from voters appearing at the wrong ward and names not found on the Voters’ Roll. Late publication of final list of polling stations 66. The late publication of the final list of polling stations, barely 48 hours to the opening of polls, may have contributed significantly to the high number of voters who were turned away for being at the wrong polling stations and/or redirected to other polling stations or referred to the Command Centre. The AUEOM generally noted the recurrence of this phenomenon in various polling stations they observed. It would help to allay the fears and reduce agitation about possible disenfranchisement if the ZEC would make public the total number of eligible voters that could not exercise their civil right and duty of voting. High number of assisted voters 67. The AUEOM noted the occurrence of high number of assisted voters in many polling stations nation-wide. Examples included polling stations in Muzarabani District, Mashonaland Central; at Musengizi, at the time of observation, 97 voters out of 370 were assisted; Kapembere Primary School 77 voters out of 374 were assisted and Bore Primary School 85 voters out of 374 were assisted. Furthermore, at a polling station observed by the in Manicaland there were 97 assisted voters out of a total of 370 voters. The AUEOM noted that while the current electoral laws provide for assistance by presiding officers, electoral officers and police officers, the involvement of such officials may influence or restrict the free will of the assisted voter. 68. The AUEOM further noted that additional facilities for assisted voters such as wheel chair ramps and provision of materials in braille could significantly ease access by persons with disabilities.
practices (5-10%) and raised concerns of accountability of unused ballots. The hopes that ZEC will account for the ballots to the satisfaction of stakeholders and all interested parties. 64. The AUEOM further noted that a significant number of local government ballot booklets had missing ballot papers and were not serially identified. One such case was noted at a polling station at Town House where two local government ballot booklets had only 99 papers instead of 100. High incidence of voters referred to command centre 65. The AUEOM noted with great concern the high incidence of voters who were turned away at polling stations. Illustrative of this widespread phenomenon, in a polling station in Gwanda, Matebeleland South, 85 voters were referred to the Command centre. Reasons adduced by polling officers varied from voters appearing at the wrong ward and names not found on the Voters’ Roll. Late publication of final list of polling stations 66. The late publication of the final list of polling stations, barely 48 hours to the opening of polls, may have contributed significantly to the high number of voters who were turned away for being at the wrong polling stations and/or redirected to other polling stations or referred to the Command Centre. The AUEOM generally noted the recurrence of this phenomenon in various polling stations they observed. It would help to allay the fears and reduce agitation about possible disenfranchisement if the ZEC would make public the total number of eligible voters that could not exercise their civil right and duty of voting. High number of assisted voters 67. The AUEOM noted the occurrence of high number of assisted voters in many polling stations nation-wide. Examples included polling stations in Muzarabani District, Mashonaland Central; at Musengizi, at the time of observation, 97 voters out of 370 were assisted; Kapembere Primary School 77 voters out of 374 were assisted and Bore Primary School 85 voters out of 374 were assisted. Furthermore, at a polling station observed by the in Manicaland there were 97 assisted voters out of a total of 370 voters. The AUEOM noted that while the current electoral laws provide for assistance by presiding officers, electoral officers and police officers, the involvement of such officials may influence or restrict the free will of the assisted voter. 68. The AUEOM further noted that additional facilities for assisted voters such as wheel chair ramps and provision of materials in braille could significantly ease access by persons with disabilities.
AU%20Election%20Observer%20Mission%20Final%20Report%20-%20Zimbabwe%20Elections%202013.docx