By Lovejoy Mutongwiza
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has reiterated that more needs to be done to encourage voters to participate in by-elections as less and les people continue to abscond.
ZESN recently observed by-elections held on November 30, 2024, in Bindura Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 10 and Makoni RDC Ward 38.
These elections, necessitated by the death and resignation of incumbents, were critical opportunities for communities to shape their local leadership.
Despite peaceful campaigns and well-organized voting procedures, the elections revealed alarmingly low voter turnout, with participation rates of just 31% in Makoni and 30% in Bindura.
The voter turnout figures from these by-elections are stark indicators of voter apathy. In Bindura, only 1,149 out of the eligible population cast their votes for the leading candidate, with the independent challenger receiving a mere 38 votes.
Similarly, in Makoni, just 973 of 3,136 eligible voters participated. These numbers reflect a worrying trend of disengagement from electoral processes, undermining the democratic principles of representation and accountability.
Several factors may explain the low voter turnout in Zimbabwe. Chief among them is the lack of Awareness or Interest: By-elections often receive less attention compared to general elections, leaving many voters unaware or indifferent to their significance. The absence of broader public education campaigns to emphasize the importance of these elections could exacerbate this issue.
In addition, mistrust in Electoral Processes is another issue that arise. Persistent concerns about the integrity and transparency of Zimbabwe’s electoral systems may dissuade voters from participating.
Allegations of irregularities in past elections can erode confidence in the process.
Similarly, political fatigues has emerged as another factor that hinders people from voting in by-elections. Zimbabwe has seen frequent elections in recent years, leading to voter fatigue.
The repetitive nature of campaigns and elections may cause people to lose interest in engaging repeatedly.
Not to be ignored are economic pressures, With a struggling economy, many Zimbabweans prioritize immediate survival needs over political participation. For some, traveling to polling stations or taking time off work might seem like an unnecessary burden.
Also, barriers to participation which include Issues such as incorrect voter registration, lack of proper identification, and confusion about polling locations were noted.
For instance, in Bindura, 60 voters were turned away at Wayerera Primary School B due to their names not appearing on the roll, highlighting administrative challenges.
To combat voter apathy and strengthen Zimbabwe’s democracy, proactive measures must be taken, according to ZESN.
The election watchdog proposes enhanced voter education which includes comprehensive campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of by-elections and how they impact local governance can encourage participation.
Strengthening electoral confidence where transparent processes, impartial oversight, and accountability in election management become crucial to restoring voter trust will also go a long way.
ZESN has often proposed targeted outreach programs which engage with marginalized communities and addressing logistical barriers, such as accessibility and proper voter roll management, can improve turnout.
The low voter turnout in Bindura and Makoni by-elections is a call to action for stakeholders across Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
While the peaceful conduct of these elections is commendable, the concerning apathy highlights the need for targeted strategies to re-engage citizens.
Active participation in elections is not just a right but a civic duty that ensures
