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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has started door to door campaigns to encourage people to take advantage of the mobile Biometric Voter Registration exercise which will start on Tuesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of a workshop for Civic Society Organisations from Matabeleland North, South, Bulawayo, Midlands and Masvingo in the city yesterday, Zec Commissioner, Mr Daniel John Chigaru, challenged all Zimbabweans who are 18 years and above to go and register to vote.

“We have started door to door campaigns where our officers are visiting people in their homes educating them to vote. We are going into phase one of the BVR programme and this is taking place countrywide. We can only appeal that those of us who are 18 years and above should come and register as voters,” said Comm Chigaru.

He reiterated that the previous voters’ roll would no longer be used and as such everyone should take advantage of mobile BVR programme.

Comm Chigaru said Zec would be spending 16 days in a selected area before moving to the next area.

He said the mobile blitz will run until December 19 before the electoral commission takes a break to compile data that will make up the new voter’s roll.

Comm Chigaru said by engaging non-governmental organisations, Zec is trying to come up with the best possible way of running next year’s elections.

“What we are doing is that Zec is trying to reach out as widely as possible to the entire electorate. And we are targeting various organised groups including political parties.

“This meeting was meant for the civic society organisations and churches. We invited leaders from those organisations,” he said.

Comm Chigaru said the challenge that has been affecting most people intending to vote is acquiring proof of residence.

He said ZEC has empowered school heads, traditional leaders and commissioners of oath among others to assist people who require proof of residence in their areas. — @nqotshili