Zimbabwean civil groups urge voters in SA to go home and vote

By Tererai Karimakwenda
07 February, 2008

In view of the fact that the Mugabe regime has refused to allow Zimbabweans in the diaspora the right to vote in the March elections, several civil organisations from Zimbabwe were in South Africa on Wednesday, where they launched the “Get Out and Vote” campaign. Tando Ncube, from the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), said the launch was intended to improve electoral participation by the diaspora population and by their families back home.

The idea was to encourage those who can travel to go home to vote because the diaspora population has now reached the millions. It is believed the majority of these voters would favour the opposition, given that the ruling party is responsible for the failed policies that drove them away from home. This is why ZANU-PF has insisted that no-one outside Zimbabwe will be able to vote on March 29.

The launch took place at the Park Station in Johannesburg, a busy spot for traders from Zimbabwe. An estimated 600 Zimbabweans had gathered there by the time it ended. Ncube said: “The venue was strategically chosen. There were those that were passing through and it’s also a marketplace. So some were doing their chores at the same time listening to the messages that were being given.”

Ncube admitted that there is a problem posed by the fact that most Zimbabweans in South Africa do not have legal documents and would find it difficult to travel home and back again. “So the agenda went a step further to say that if you can’t go to vote, send a message back home encouraging them to vote so that they can change and shape our destiny.”

Among the civil groups participating were the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe, National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), Bulawayo Agenda, Zimbabwe Exiles Forum and Zimbabwe Action Movement. Some South African groups, including COSATU and the Communist Party, also contributed in solidarity with the ongoing crisis in Zimbabwe.

Back in Zimbabwe, the Nomination Courts that were scheduled for Friday February 8th have been moved to Friday February 15th. This is for registration of candidates seeking to run in the presidential, parliamentary and council elections on March 29th.
The deadline for inspection of the voters’ roll and registration, which was originally Thursday February 7th, has been extended by a week to Thursday February 14th.

It is important to remember that if your details are not correctly registered, you will not be able to vote. All individuals above 18 are legally allowed to vote and should also register.

To inspect or to register, you need to bring the following:
• Identity document - metal or synthetic; passport or Drivers license
• Proof of residence in form of a Utility bill (ZESA or Water bill statement)
• Letter from a parent or landlord if the statement does not reflect your name.