High Court Rejects MP’s Challenge For ZEC To Release Electronic Voters’ Roll

The High Court has turned down an application by Citizens Coalition for Change MP, Allan Markham, to compel the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to give him a copy of the electronic voters’ roll that he requested last year, reported ZimLive.

Makharm said that he wanted the voters’ roll to track trends in the delimitation report and also, as a sitting legislator, his interest in the document was pertinent.

He also said an electronic copy was ideal as a printed one would be inconvenient and too expensive for him.

In response, ZEC said the release of the electronic voters’ roll would expose the document to manipulation.

In his ruling, Justice Never Katiyo sitting at the Harare High Court said the application was premature.

The judge urged Makharm to pursue other remedies than suing the commission. He said:

Applicant said he wanted an electronic voters roll; further applicant qualifies as a person to get that voters roll. He argues hard copy is tantamount to giving him a mountain.

Courts are there to protect citizens as mandated, judicial officers that they discharge the duty without fear or favour.

The law gives ZEC control over the voters’ roll. This was done with a purpose in mind that in this time, with social media, can brew disaster hence mandating ZEC to ensure the security of the electronic voters roll is secure.

It is wise that it (the voters’ roll) is guarded jealously so that it’s given to individuals when it’s right.

The 58 days which have lapsed since this application was launched cannot be said to be too long and taking into consideration that this case came to court prematurely.

It is his (Makharm’s) right to request but in the same vein, ZEC is obliged to speedily come out with a voters roll with all security features.

Justice Katiyo said full reasons will be provided in due course.

More: Pindula News

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