ZEC ready for polls: Makarau

By Daniel Chigundu

ZEC Chairperson Justice Rita Makarau

ZIMBABWE Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Justice Rita Makarau has said her commission is ready for July 31^st polls as soon as President Robert Mugabe makes the proclamations.

Addressing the media on voter registration exercise in Harare a few hours ago Justice Makarau said it was the proclamation that will lead to other processes necessary for the election.

“…concerning whether we are able to hold the election by July 31, yes ZEC is ready as long as we get the proclamation that polls are on July 31^st.

“There are three processes here and the time frames are as follows proclamations to nomination court there is 14-21 days while from nominations to polling day there is 30-41 days so it is possible but we will be guided by the proclamations,” she said.

Justice Makarau further revealed that there will be a 30 day voter registration and voter inspection as mandated by the new constitution in all of the country’s 1958 wards beginning this week.

She added that her commission has already dispatched two voter educators in every ward to inform people on the requirements and locations for voter registration.

Turning to the issue of proof of residence the Justice said people can now use affidavits which will be approved by ZEC members stationed at various voter registration centres countrywide.

Already close to 125 ZEC officials have certified as Commissioners of Oath for the exercise. Justice Rita Makarau has called on people aggrieved or those who have identified anomalies with the registration exercise to approach her commission for rectification.-