On the 8th of February 2018 we conducted a voter Mobilization activity through a road show in Gwanda District (Blanket Mine). This was in partnership with Zimbabwe Electora Commission (ZEC). The aim of the activity was to promote active citizen participation in the electoral processes. Masakhaneni Project Trust (MPT), as the implementing partner promoted the new voting system (Biometric Voter Registration) as the system has the high potential of improving transparency and accountability. The ushering of new government through military intervention caused a lot of anxiety on whether elections will be held or postponed. This negatively affected the voter registration process with the public especially the youth losing hope in the election process. The road show was designed to target 500 youth and women who have the potential political force to change the development processes. According to ZEC, youth participation in the voter registration process since phase one to four had been low, thereby calling for best approaches to lure them. This low turn up had been noticed both in urban and rural areas, hence the relevance of the road show activity. The road show was meant expose the BVR exercise to the populace of Blanket Mine.
A dance group Victory Siyanqoba captivated the crowd thorough its songs that were meant to educate the public about BVR process. This strategy coupled with t-shirts was a great crowd puller. The message printed on t-shirts was “Register Time is Running Out” at the back and “Vote” in front and assisted in educating the public on the aim of the road show. The group further conducted HIV and AIDS awareness through its activities.
A newly registered voter displaying a t- shirt incentive from Masakhaneni
On the day in question, an estimated total population of 650 people attended the event including those who registered during phase 1 to 4 and other community residents. Out of this figure, 147 (104 males and 43 females) registered. A higher figure compared to what ZEC had previously recorded for the past three days in the area.
People awaiting their turn to register as voters at Blanket Mine