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*ZEC Invites Applications For Voter Education Accreditation*

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The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is soliciting applications for ZEC accreditation in order to carry out voter education. In a notice seen by Pindula News, the Commission said it is extending an invitation to Civic Society Organisations (CSOs), Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs), and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), including those who were previously authorised to conduct Voter Education, to submit new applications for accreditation to the Commission as Voter Educators. Reads the notice:

> ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

> CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: ZEC ACCREDITATION TO CONDUCT VOTER EDUCATION

> Background The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is mandated by the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Chapter 12: Section 238) to conduct and supervise voter education. The Commission is inviting Civic Society Organisations (CSOs), Private Voluntary Organisations (PV0s) and Faith Based Organisations (FB0s), including those that were authorised to conduct Voter Education before this date, to submit new applications for accreditation by the Commission as Voter Educators.

> Objectives and Expected Outputs/Deliverables

> The overall objective of the voter education collaboration between ZEC and CSOs/PV0s/B0s is to strengthen the democratic process through raising awareness on the significance of electoral processes among Zimbabwean voters and increase their participation in elections.

> Eligibility criteria for Chic Society Organisations and Private Voluntary Organisations

> Requirements for CSOs and PVOs are stipulated In section 40C of the Zimbabwe Electoral Act Chapter 2.13 which specifies that an organisation:

> • Must consist wholly or mainly of citizens or permanent residents of Zimbabwe domiciled in Zimbabwe: or

> • Must be a lawfully constituted trust, the majority of whose trustees ate of citizens or payment residents of Zimbabwe domiciled in Zimbabwe: and

> • Should be an association or trust that must be registered as a private voluntary organisation in terms of the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05]: or registered in the Deeds Registry as a trust:

> • The organisation must be mandated by its constitution or trust deed, as the case may be, to provide voter education: and

> • Must employ individuals who are citizens or permanent residents of Zimbabwe to conduct any voter education, for this the organisation can furnish the Commission with all the names, addresses, citizenship or residence status and qualifications of the individuals who will conduct voter education: and

> • Must disclose the manner and sources of funding of its proposed voter education activities: the voter education is subject to section 40F, (hereunder, foreign contributions or donations may be channelled to the Commission for onward allocation) funded solely by local contributions or donations.

> • Must satisfy the Commission that it is not otherwise disqualified in terms of subsection (1) from providing voter education.

> Eligibility criteria for Faith-Based Organisations

> FBOs are also guided by section 40C of the Zimbabwe Electoral Act Chapter 2.13, which specifies that Voter Education:

> • Must be conducted by an organisation consisting wholly or mainly of citizens or permanent residents of Zimbabwe domiciled in Zimbabwe:

> • Voter education must be conducted in accordance with a course or programme of instruction furnished or approved by the Commission: and

> • The voter education materials to be used and the course or programme of instruction in accordance with which the voter education is conducted must be adequate, current, gender-sensitive, correct and not misleading or biased in favour of any political party: and

> • The voter education materials to be used and the course or programme of instruction in accordance with which the voter education is conducted must be furnished to the Commission for its scrutiny.

> • No fee or charge shall be levied for the provision of voter education or voter education material.

> Applications should be sent on or before 19 May 2023 to:

> The Chief Elections Officer,

> Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Head Office,

> Mahuchi Quantum Building, 1 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe

> Tel: +263 242 774 095/ 759 130/ 779 618 Email: inquiry@zec.org.zw

Voter education is crucial because it plays a vital role in ensuring that citizens are informed and aware of their rights and responsibilities as voters. It helps to increase voter turnout, promote transparency, and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

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Voter education also helps to prevent electoral fraud and irregularities by empowering citizens to identify and report any suspicious activities. Additionally, it promotes democratic values by encouraging citizens to participate in the democratic process and make informed decisions when selecting their representatives. Overall, voter education is essential for the success and legitimacy of democratic elections.

Zimbabwe has scheduled elections between July 26 and August 26 this year, yet, there are concerns regarding a notable portion of the Zimbabwean population that has not yet registered to vote.

Some analysts also express concern over previous voter patterns. They say the Zimbabwean electorate is disillusioned with election results due to allegations of fraud and irregularities, lack of transparency, politicisation of state institutions, limited political choice, and economic hardship. These factors have allegedly eroded public confidence in the electoral process.

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