Makarau dismisses Mudede's statement on metal IDs

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has released an official press statement dismissing Registrar General Tobaiwa Mudede’s comments that metal identification cards cannot be used to register or vote in next year’s elections.

In the statement, ZEC states that anyone with a valid id card and proof of residence can register to vote in the 2018 elections. The statement signed by ZEC chairperson Rita Makarau reads:

Following recent press reports implying that those with metal identity cards will not be allowed to register during the forthcoming Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) exercise, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) seeks to set the record straight. Voter registration requirements are enshrined in Section 4 of Statutory Instrument 85 of 2017 (Voter Registration Regulations) which states that for any Zimbabwean to register as a voter, they can use a national identity document which takes the form of a metal ID, plastic ID or a waiting pass with the holder’s photograph. There is no law that has invalidated the metal identity card as proof of identity. All national identity documents listed above remain valid for voter registration and voting during the 2018 harmonised elections.
ZEC would like to allay fears and uncertainties that may have arisen from the recent press reports. During the BVR exercise, ZEC will register all Zimbabweans whose citizenship is confirmed by the national identity documents lawfully issued to them. All Zimbabweans who are eligible to register as voters should ensure that their identity documents and proof of residence are legible to ensure a smooth registration process.