Zimbabwe Peace Project
TRADITIONAL LEADERS BECOMING POLLING AGENTS
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Traditional leaders in Gutu East acted as polling agents for the ruling party, which
constitutes a clear violation of both the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act.
These observations raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the
potential for voter intimidation. The following individuals, who hold positions as village
heads, served as ZANU-PF polling agents:
Bornface Takawira, a village head, served as a ZANU-PF polling agent at Kubiku
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Primary School.
Bornsen Musara, also a village head, served as a ZANU-PF polling agent at Musara
Primary School.
Herbet Manjonjo, a village head, served as a ZANU-PF polling agent at Machawira
Primary School.
These actions directly contravene Section 45 (2) of the Traditional Leaders Act, which
explicitly states that "no chief, headman or village head shall canvass or serve as an
election agent or manager for any candidate, or nominate any candidate, for election as
state President, member of Parliament or Councilor in any local authority." Considering
the historical context of traditional leaders in Zimbabwe often intimidating community
members, their presence as polling station agents could easily be perceived as a form of
intimidation by voters. This may lead voters to feel that their choices could be identified,
thereby undermining the principles of a free and fair election.
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Source: ZEC