75% Of Registered Voters Eager To Vote - Survey
A survey by Brenthurst Foundation has established that at least 75% of registered voters are eager to vote in this year’s general elections.
According to the survey, 75% of the sampled registered voters indicated that they would certainly vote, 12% were fairly certain, 7% were uncertain, and at least 3% said they would probably not vote.
A nominal percentage said they would definitely not vote.
The question posed by the Brenthurst Foundation to registered voters was: “Whenever the next general election comes, how certain are you that you will vote?”
Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust director Ignatius Sadziwa told NewsDay that many people are eager to vote possibly as a way to escape from economic hardships and embedded corruption. He said:
Economic hardships and corrupt systems which are committed with pomp and impunity have suddenly animated a lot of people to take part in the looming election.
Another push factor can be parties’ candidate selection activities that have reinvigorated the electorate.
Zimbabwe Election Support Network chairperson Andrew Makoni:
One hopes that the survey results are a true reflection of the feeling on the ground. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
We can only be in a position to affirm the survey results on D-day.
Such surveys are scientific and if publicised may encourage fence-sitters to exercise their right to vote, which will be a victory for democracy.
Political commentators have noted that voter apathy has been a major issue in Zimbabwe’s elections for years now.
Voter apathy is a phenomenon that occurs when eligible voters do not exercise their right to vote in an election.
The reasons for voter apathy are varied and complex but some of the reasons include a lack of trust in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), a lack of confidence in political parties and candidates, a lack of interest in politics, and a disillusionment with the country’s political system.
ZEC, electoral watchdogs, and other stakeholders can address voter apathy through voter education and awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of voting and the role that citizens play in shaping their communities and countries.
Other solutions include making voting more accessible by providing for the diaspora vote, making ZEC independent, electoral reforms, provision pf more polling stations and extending voting hours, as well as implementing online voting systems that make it easier for people to cast their ballots.
More: Pindula News
