“The voting system is rigged,” say Zim expats as they bemoan exclusion

Zimbabweans living abroad have lamented not being able to participate in the country’s elections.

The countries Electoral Act has barred citizens living overseas from taking part, with the government citing concerns that they may be misinformed about the situation back home.

Over 15 millions Zimbabweans were registered to head to the polls, as calls mount for free and fair elections.

Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda from the African Diaspora Global Network says Zimbabwean living abroad are not happy.

A Zimbawean national himself, Sibanda has described the move as the deliberate exclusion of citizens.

Voting got underway at around 7am yesterday morning, with pockets of delays reported throughout the day.

Reports of intimidation and sabotage at some voting stations also emerged.

Yesterday, YNews caught up with Zimbabwean journalist, Zenzele Ndebele, who said the credibility of the elections remains under scrutiny.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced an election proclamation for an extra voting day in selected wards in the country due to the late distribution of ballot papers in some areas.

The Electoral Commission has blamed the delays on late printing of ballot papers caused by court challenges, stating that yesterday morning only 23% of Harare’s polling stations had opened on time.

 

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition’s Obed Masaraure says democracies can only improve if all citizens, whether inside or outside the country, are allowed to participate.

He says as a result, the outcome of this year’s elections has already been compromised. Article by Naomi Kobbie