'No cardboard ballot boxes for Zim poll'

'No cardboard ballot boxes for Zim poll' - ZEC

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By Lebo Nkatazo

RED-FACED officials from Zimbabwe’s Electoral Commission have recalled thousands of pamphlets which they say erroneously informed voters that cardboard ballot boxes would be used in general elections on March 29.

New Zimbabwe.com revealed how Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) officials had proposed the use of the cardboard ballot boxes alongside the translucent ballot boxes used in the 2005 parliamentary elections due to a cash squeeze.

The ZEC voter education pamphlets also said indelible ink used in past elections to mark voters who have already cast their ballots would be replaced with marker pens.

The use of marker pens sparked outrage in Afghanistan’s 2004 elections with candidates claiming many voters had cast their ballots more than once after erasing the ink.

The revelations raised fears that President Robert Mugabe could use the cardboard ballot boxes to rig his way back into power.

In a statement, the ZEC said the pamphlets were being withdrawn because they contained “factual errors”.

“It has come to the attention of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) that information is circulating that ZEC will use cardboard ballot boxes, that ZEC polling officers will demand proof of residence from voters on 29th March… and that ZRP officers would assist those voters who request to be assisted. The information is contained in a pamphlet which ZEC has since withdrawn because of these factual errors,” the statement said.

“ZEC wishes to categorically state that it will not use cardboard ballot boxes. As a matter of fact, ZEC will use translucent ballot boxes similar to those used in the 2005 general elections and the 2006 senatorial elections.”

The pamphlet, which ZEC says has now been withdrawn, read in part: “Changes in the polling process -- assistance of blind people by the presiding officer and ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) officer. The small finger will be marked. Translucent boxes will be used. Cardboard boxes will also be used."

The ZEC has said it will set up 11 000 polling stations countrywide for the harmonised elections although opposition groups say this may still not be enough to afford the 5.5 million registered voters an opportunity to cast their ballots between 7am and 7pm on March 29.

Voters will cast FOUR ballots each -- for President, Member of Parliament, Senator and councillor.
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