National Association of Youth Organizations (NAYO) of 4 Drummond Chaplin Street, Mitton park, Harare, in consultation with its member organizations and partners driving the #LeaveNoYouthBehind2018 electoral campaign for 2018, NOW THEREFORE petition and beseech the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) to undertake the following before the conduct of the 2018 general elections:
- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) must repeal the decision to re-introduce proof of residence as a requirement for voter registration in the conduct of elections. The electorate must only affirm to a registration officer their physical address without providing proof of residence;
- We call on the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) to undertake inclusive stakeholder consultations before making key decisions that affect the electorate especially vulnerable and marginalized groups such as youth and women – the decision to arrive at the need for proof of residence by ZEC is not informed by inclusive stakeholder engagement such as Youth;
- There is need for robust voter education on the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) process to allow stakeholders and voters to understand the process especially youths, young women and persons with disabilities;