Letter to the Biometric Voter Registration

In a statement made on the 10th of September 2015, the objective view the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network gave of you was that, “Noting the previous challenges that Zimbabwe has faced in post elections related to the state of the voters roll, the Biometric Voter Registration will go a long way in cleaning the voters roll and instilling confidence in the electoral process.” The theoretical narration does sound catchy, but I, like many Zimbabweans, have reservations on your potential effectiveness if not properly administered.
Our post electoral journey has done a great job eroding the confidence of citizens on the democratic nature of our government. You would agree with me that introducing a new, majorly foreign, system triggers instinctive fear of its manipulation. Think of the elderly community, unless clearly defined, you will be resistibly rejected, and shun even more people away from the interest of registering to vote. Preceding failed systems places you in a critical position where only clarity of your nature will guarantee you a buy-in from the majority of eligible voters.
I strongly attest to the notion that access to internet offers a reliable, alternative route to understanding BVR yet that also falls short of maximum impact considering the fact that a significant percentage of Zimbabweans do not use electronic devices. While social media remains a platform of information sharing, with the vast capacity to stir discussions on BVR, it can never do as good a job as the Zimbabwe Electoral Committee would do had they the objectives and resources to. Both the youth and the elderly thrive in the dark of what you truly entail. For those that have encountered your name, many lack the understanding vital to ensure effective participation.
As a new system, you call for adequate skills and resources, of which, voter education programmes play a pivotal key. The purpose of education in your case being to give people information that will build your buy-in. Your desired reception is only guaranteed if the civilians you target fully understand and embrace your promise of ensuring accountability and transparency.

From a prospective voter.

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