Unfocused Youths - ZEC Reporting Only 2 000 New Registered Voters In 2021

By Staff Reporter
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75038
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December 30, 2021

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) yesterday revealed that it registered only 2 000 new voters in 2021, a drop in the ocean in the face of various campaigns by political parties and civic groups to register first-time voters.

The ruling Zanu PF and opposition parties rolled out voter registration campaigns during the course of the year to register millions of first-time voters ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.

Zanu PF has set a target to increase the number of its registered voters to five million to ensure a 65% election victory.The main opposition MDC Alliance is targeting six million voters.

A number of voter registration awareness campaigns running under various hashtags were launched in November ahead of the suspended Zec mobile voter registration blitz which was supposed to kick off on December 6 and run for six days.

The electoral management body suspended the voter registration blitz following reports that the Registrar-General’s Office was incapacitated to issue identification documents.

A national ID or valid passport is a requirement for one to be eligible to register to vote.

In Bulawayo, civic groups launched EkhayaVote2023 campaign to mobilise virgin voters in Matabeleland after Zec warned that the region risked losing a number of constituencies in the next delimitation exercise — the redrawing of electoral boundaries.

Zimbabwe last carried a delimitation exercise in 2007 ahead of the 2008 harmonised election.

Zec will conduct a delimitation exercise in next year as provided for under section 161(1) of the Constitution on delimitation of electoral boundaries.

But Zec commissioner Jasper Mangwana yesterday dropped a bombshell during a virtual rally for the youth that the commission had so far only registered 2 000 first-time voters.

“We have activated our social media platforms to send out voter registration information and we are trying as a commission during these times of COVID-19,” he said.

“Imagine Zec offices have been open even though we have been in COVID-19 and had scaled down our numbers, but we only registered 2 000 new voters this year out of our 63 district and 10 provincial offices in the country.”

Zec had also announced plans to roll out a second voter registration blitz to run for 35 days, which started two days ago.

Voter registration is provided for in section 17A of the Electoral Act.

The revelations by Mangwana came at a time when the country is headed for by-elections to fill 133 parliamentary and local government seats, which fell vacant following the recall of MDC Alliance representatives by a rival faction led by Douglas
Mwonzora.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week said he would announce the by-election dates early next month.

Virgin voters, who register after the dates have been proclaimed, will not cast their votes in the by-elections.

Wilson Mbanga, a youth who participated in the virtual rally, said: “There is a greater need for education on the importance of voter registration.

“Why do I have to vote? Yes I know it’s part of my rights to vote, but why do I have to vote? I think that is what is making us youth and other people not to register and vote because that education is missing.”

Zec chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba bemoaned the lack of adequate funding for the rollout of voter registration campaigns.

Election watchdogs such as the Zimbabwe Election Support Network have, on several occasions, called on Zec to decentralise voter registration to ward centres.

Mnangagwa and his main challenger, Nelson Chamisa of the MDC Alliance have in the past few months been conducting whirlwind tours across the country drumming up support ahead of next year’s do-or-die polls, with both politicians banking on the youth vote which they touted as the game changer.

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Immigration Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case

Immigration Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney

When your future, family, job, or immigration status is on the line, choosing the right immigration lawyer matters.

Immigration law is complicated. One missing document, late deadline, wrong form, or weak explanation can create delays or serious problems. That is why many people search for an “immigration lawyer near me” when they need help with a visa, green card, citizenship application, deportation case, asylum claim, or family petition.

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An immigration lawyer helps people deal with U.S. immigration agencies and immigration courts.

They may assist with:

Family-based green cards
Marriage green cards
Fiancé visas
Work visas
Student visa issues
Citizenship and naturalization
Deportation defense
Asylum claims
DACA-related matters
Waivers of inadmissibility
Adjustment of status
Consular processing
Green card renewals
Employment authorization
Immigration appeals

USCIS processes immigration and naturalization applications, while immigration court cases are handled through the Executive Office for Immigration Review, also called EOIR.

Why Hiring an Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Immigration paperwork can look simple at first. But many cases involve hidden risks.

For example, a person may think they only need to file a green card application. But an attorney may discover issues involving unlawful presence, prior visa violations, criminal history, public charge concerns, past misrepresentation, or missing evidence.

An immigration lawyer can help you:

Choose the correct immigration path
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Prepare stronger evidence
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Respond to USCIS requests
Prepare for interviews
Represent you in immigration court
Explain risks before you file
Avoid immigration scams

USCIS warns that people seeking immigration help should use authorized legal representatives, such as attorneys or accredited representatives.

When Should You Contact an Immigration Attorney?

You should consider speaking with an immigration lawyer if:

You received a Notice to Appear in immigration court
You are facing deportation or removal
Your visa or green card application was denied
You have a criminal record
You overstayed a visa
You entered the U.S. without inspection
You need a waiver
You are applying for asylum
You are sponsoring a spouse or relative
You are unsure which form to file
You received a Request for Evidence
You missed an immigration deadline
You are applying after a previous immigration problem

Simple cases may still benefit from legal review. Complicated cases almost always need professional guidance.

How to Find a Good Immigration Lawyer Near You

1. Check Credentials

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If the person is not an attorney, they may still be allowed to help only if they are a DOJ-accredited representative working with a recognized organization.

2. Look for Immigration Experience

Immigration law is its own field. A general lawyer may not know the latest immigration procedures, court rules, or agency requirements.

Ask:

How many immigration cases have you handled?
Do you handle cases like mine?
Do you appear in immigration court?
Do you work with USCIS filings?
Do you handle appeals or waivers?

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Reviews can help, but do not rely on them alone. Look for patterns.

Good signs include:

Clear communication
Honest expectations
Strong preparation
Responsive staff
Professional service
Experience with similar cases

Bad signs include:

Guarantees
Pressure tactics
Poor communication
Hidden fees
Unclear answers

4. Ask About Fees

Immigration lawyers may charge flat fees, hourly rates, or consultation fees.

Ask for:

Written fee agreement
What services are included
What services cost extra
Whether filing fees are separate
Payment plan options
Refund policy
Expected timeline

USCIS filing fees change, so applicants should verify current fees using the USCIS fee schedule or fee calculator before filing.

Questions to Ask During a Consultation

Before hiring an immigration lawyer, ask:

What are my immigration options?
What are the risks in my case?
What documents do I need?
How long could this take?
What happens if USCIS asks for more evidence?
Will you personally handle my case?
How will we communicate?
What are your fees?
Are government filing fees included?
What happens if my case is denied?

A good attorney will not promise guaranteed approval. They should explain strengths, weaknesses, and realistic possibilities.

Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid anyone who:

Guarantees approval
Tells you to lie on forms
Uses fake documents
Claims special government connections
Refuses to provide a written agreement
Will not explain fees
Is not licensed or accredited
Asks you to sign blank forms
Does not give copies of filings
Rushes you into paying immediately

Immigration scams can cause serious damage. The wrong help can lead to denial, deportation, or future immigration bars.

Final Thoughts

Searching for an “immigration lawyer near me” is often the first step toward protecting your case.

The right lawyer should be experienced, honest, organized, and clear about your options. They should help you understand the process, avoid mistakes, and prepare your case carefully.

Immigration decisions can affect your family, career, and future. Choose someone who takes that responsibility seriously.