Voting delayed in Zimbabwe. Images from Twitter@ChirangoEve@tawandasoko
WATCH: No ballot papers at polling stations in Zimbabwe
Voting is yet to commence in several polling stations in Harare and Bulawayo due to the unavailability of ballot papers at polling stations.
Voting delayed in Zimbabwe. Images from Twitter@ChirangoEve@tawandasoko
Despite a high turnout of voters in Harare and Bulawayo, voting is yet to commence in several polling stations across the two provinces.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has revealed that only 23 % of polling stations in Harare have started polling, and 75% in Bulawayo. The battle is mainly between ruling party Zanu-PF’s Emerson Mnangagwa and main opposition CCC’s Nelson Chamisa.
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BALLOT PAPERS WOES HIT ZIM POLLING STATIONS ON ELECTION DAY
Confirmed reports have it that as of 10:00 am, several polling stations were yet to receive election material. Local Council ballot papers were said to be unavailable across several polling stations dotted around the two provinces.
Opposition strongholds and several high-density suburbs like Glen View, Warren Park and Kuwadza are yet to receive voting materials.
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However, despite the law stipulating that voting materials must be at the polling stations 48 hours before an election, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has revealed delays in printing ballot papers.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission also revealed that the irregularities have since been resolved, with ballot papers being delivered to affected areas.
However, apart from Harare and Bulawayo, voting is reportedly going smoothly across the other eight provinces.
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MAIN OPPOSITION LODGES BALLOT PAPERS IRREGULARITIES TO ZEC
Reports of intimidation have also been reported, with several unknown officials stationing themselves outside polling stations and requesting to write down the names of those who have voted. They are posing as ‘Exit Poll Survey Desk’ officials.
The main opposition party has also approached the elections board over several voting irregularities, revealing that some CCC local authority candidates in Bulawayo and Marondera do not appear on the ballot papers.
However, on the other hand, several posters have flooded the streets urging people not to vote.
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