Demotivation, Disappointments and Excitement: How I can become a registered Voter.
Truly speaking I don’t understand why someone would choose not to vote; it is such a great learning and exciting experience.
As a Hararian working away from my province, constituent and ward, it seems so hard for me to leave work to come and register to vote at Mbare ZEC offices. Reports of inconveniences demotivated me again, however, a friend reminds me that it was possible to register direct to my ward from another province, and the following day I went to the ZEC registry office closer only to be told that we do not have data for other provinces. Tired and demotivated I carry my umbrella back to my workplace. On arrival, I was told that the following day I will be working in Mashonaland West, Kadoma, miles away from home again.
ZEC Biometric Voter Registration Certificate.
On Whatsapp and on my twitter feed others were parading their certificates of registration I felt like I was left out and I felt less of a citizen. I decided to do another trial in Kadoma, walking around in town during the last minute of my lunch hour I come across a sign “Voter registration Here” I didn’t wait to do my second trial. I asked the registration officer, is it possible that I can register from here if I am a Hararian, and the answer was the same we don’t have data for Harare, my blue wide eyes turned into ash-like color, I felt as if my face was swelling, sweating to my toes I lifted my left foot and move it slightly backwards trying to turn back to the exit, a smart looking woman with a motherly voice full of honesty and confidence said we have data let him come, waiting in a queue of five people seems like decades not because they were slow all because I was feeling like they gonna change their minds. Trembling with excitement it took more time than expected for me to get registered, they have to rescan my fingerprints several times because honestly speaking I was shaking to an extent that even they have to be tough on me so that I can be stable. Finally, I become a registered voter.
When the ZEC official over the voter registration certificate to me I was overwhelmed with excitement, but nervousness too. I was excited to have a pass to participate in the upcoming elections, but also nervous because sudden thoughts of who is progressive enough to get my vote swelled up in my head. This registration process was a concrete reminder, not just rhetoric, that I have a role to play in the development of our country and democracy. I held the voter registration certificate in my hand and felt that I was no longer a boy, but a 22-year-old man taking a bold step into the right side of history.
The atmosphere in the room felt patriotic and electric, following me was a young boy named Aleck, and a couple of middle-aged women behind him. It was fascinating to see young people voluntarily willing to register to vote. Despite possible differing views, it was nice to see all of us collectively engaged in this process. Perhaps this may be too romanticized, but registering to vote made me feel hopeful in my affirmative actions, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude to be able to do this because not everyone gets to do this. Not everyone gets to be an active member of our society. I know not everyone is given a platform to have a voice. I am grateful in 2018 I will have the platform to give a voice when we select the next president, members of parliament and councilors.
My 2013 voter registration certificate and 2017 biometric registration certificate. 25 September 2017
This is my second time registering to vote, the first one was marred by long delays and intimidation by registering officers I still remember this old lady calling us ‘Vana Porongi, mirai uko” it was frustrating, however, this time it was interesting and I hope it is an experience I will never forget. I hope over time.
I cannot wait to vote in 2018. I will, like many others cast my vote and be part of the solution and not the problem.
Please register to vote, and be a part of the excitement in history.
