Source: Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
ZESN has deployed 72 static and mobile observers to the National Assembly by-election in Norton Constituency to measure compliance of the election day processes with the Constitution and Electoral Laws. Observer reports have shown that voting started on time in all polling stations. The political environment in the constituency is calm and peaceful and voting is proceeding smoothly with few reported incidents.
Election observation is still on-going; however as of midday ZESN observer reports have shown the following trends:
Set up and Opening Procedures: There are 56 polling stations that have been set up by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in the constituency. ZESN has deployed observers at all the polling stations. Observer reports have shown that at all polling stations the set up and opening procedures were duly followed and that there are adequate polling personnel and voting materials such as ballot boxes, ballot papers, indelible ink and voters’ rolls.
Voter Intimidation: ZESN has received reports that there are ZANU PF officials taking down voters’ names after casting their votes at some polling stations within the Constituency for instance at Clifford Primary in Ward 14 and in Ward 15 at Kingsdale. ZESN is deeply concerned about this practice as it falls within the category of intimidatory practices which clearly violates section 133B (c) (1) of the Electoral Act which outlaws any attempts to compel voters to vote for a particular candidate or party.
Polling Agents: Reports received by ZESN by midday indicate that only ZANU PF’s Ronald Chindedza and Temba Mliswa the Independent Candidate have comprehensively deployed polling agents at polling stations. It appears the NCA did not deploy any election agents.
ZESN will observe the voting throughout the day, the counting process at the end of the day and the collation of results at the ZEC Constituency Collating Centre. The Network will be issuing a preliminary statement on the by-election at the end of the election processes, which will include verified incidents that would have been reported during the day
Source: Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)