1 zimbabwe election support network [zesn] - Nehanda Radio

The Electoral Framework
CHAPTER SIX
THE 27 JUNE PRESIDENTIAL RUN OFF
Every election is governed by electoral laws that provide the parameters for the conduct of
elections. While in the case of the June presidential run-off the law provided that the
procedures that governed the conduct of the Harmonized Election still hold for the June 27
Presidential poll, some changes, modifications were introduced with regard to some
procedures such as V11 and V23 forms and the number of polling stations. According to
statutory instrument 82A of 2008, V11 and V23 forms were now to be signed by the presiding
officer and ward election officers respectively in the presence of candidates or their election
agents. Party agents were also to sign as witnesses, all parties agreeing before signing the
forms. V11 forms were to be signed at the polling station while V23 forms were to be signed at
ward level.
Changes were also made with regard to the allocation of polling stations per province, some
provinces receiving substantial increases while others were reduced. However, as shown
below, there were more of increases than decreases.
PROVINCE
MATEBELELAND
NORTH
NUMBER
REGISTERED
VOTES
OF
Polling Stations in the Run Off
NUMBER OF
CONSTITUENCIES
POLLING
STATIONS MARCH
29 ELECTION
NEW POLLING
STATIONS
345,264 13 751 765 14+
BULAWAYO 313,459 12 239 249 2+
MATEBELELAND
SOUTH
342,280 13 638 639 1+
MASHONALAND
WEST
582,589 22 1138 1166 28+
MIDLANDS 739,510 28 1333 1376 43+
MANICALAND 709,664 26 1144 1147 3+
MASHONALAND
CENTRAL
488,477 18 822 832 10+
MASHONALAND
EAST
624,630 23 1040 1068 27+
MASVINGO 699,199 26 1213 1198 15-
HARARE 766,478 29 792 791 1-
TOTAL 9111 9231
By-Elections
DISPARITY
The nomination court was convened on the 30 th May 2008 to consider nomination papers for
the three constituencies that were due for by-elections, namely Redcliff, Gwanda South and
Pelandaba-Mpopoma. Nomination court proceedings reportedly progressed without any major
logistical hiccups, however with some candidates disqualified on the basis of not being
registered in the constituency while Paul Siwela, an independent candidate who had filed
papers for the March 29 poll withdrew his candidature for unspecified reasons. Also noticeable
were names new candidates who initially had not filed for the March 29 poll by-Elections. The
by-Election profile was as shown below:
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