Questions on BVR answered

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What do I do, I missed to register during the phase one? You can register anywhere in Zimbabwe during the registration period and you only have to register once. What are the scheduled dates for biometric voter registration blitz phase two? BVR blitz phase two will start on the 29 of October to the 13th […]

What do I do, I missed to register during the phase one?

You can register anywhere in Zimbabwe during the registration period and you only have to register once.

What are the scheduled dates for biometric voter registration blitz phase two?

BVR blitz phase two will start on the 29 of October to the 13th of November 2017.

Why is the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission rejecting driver’s licences as proof of identity?

National driver’s licence can be awarded to non-Zimbabwean nationals, hence you are encouraged or required to carry your valid passport or Zimbabwe metal or plastic ID or waiting pass with the photograph.

I don’t have a national ID. What am I supposed to do?

The registrar-general’s department on September 4 rolled out a three-month national mobile registration exercise for national identity cards, birth and death certificates in preparation for voter-registration. The registration will run until November 30 2017. Mobile registration centres will open at 7am and close at 7pm from Monday to Friday.

During weekends, the registrar general’s offices start at 7am and close at 4pm. It will not be possible for anybody to go to elections next year without the documents and argue that she or he was never allowed to register.

Why use biometrics?

The main purpose of using biometrics in elections is to prevent identity theft and duplicate or multiple registrations during the voter registration process. BVR also improves the accuracy of the voters’ roll.

How is the data captured and used?

The biometrics system takes the personal identification information of a voter (for example name, surname, address, region, etc.) and combines it with the unique biological features of the voter. The data is then stored on a voters’ roll which includes the particulars of a voter together with the fingerprint and picture as captured on the system. The system will identify duplicate ID numbers as well as duplicate fingerprints.

Can I register in absentia?

No, no one is allowed to register in absentia; everyone is expected to register in person. No one is allowed to register for another person and a person can register only once.

What are the key steps in the registration process?

The first thing you are required to do is to complete the data form. Your data form will be captured by the registration officer. Your photograph and fingerprints will be processed. You will receive a registration slip. Keep the registration slip in a safe place.

How long will the registration process take?

As long as you have the required and correct documentation processing should not be longer than five minutes though there are some isolated cases of people that take longer.

Will I get a voter ID card?

No, you will receive a registration slip (receipt) as a confirmation, of you being a registered voter. You do not need your slip on the day of voting but keep it safe for your own records. The slip will show:

l Date of registration

l Your name, ID number

l Serial number

l Your ward

l Your constituency

l Your polling station for election period.