HARARE – Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has filed an urgent application through the Electoral Court seeking an order to compel the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to release information relating to printing of ballot papers.

In an application filed by the opposition party – listed as first applicant – through its secretary for elections, Ian Makone, who is second applicant, CCC said it became aware that postal balloting by members of the uniformed forces and printing of ballot papers was already in progress.

CCC argues it is entitled to the information prior to the exercise in terms of s52A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13).

The main opposition wants court to compel ZEC to release “all the information relating to where and by whom ballot papers to be used in the harmonised elections to be held on the 23th of August 2023 were printed” and the total number of ballot papers that have been printed for the poll.

It is also seeking to be furnished with details of the intended distribution of ballot papers to each polling station in the country.

CCC wants ZEC to “ensure that the total number of ballot papers printed does not exceed, by more than 10 percent, the number of voters eligible to vote to in the harmonised elections…”

The party is also seeking court to compel ZEC to release serial numbers by polling stations of the ballot papers to be distributed to each and every polling station.

CCC says, in terms of relief being sought, “Given however that there has already been a violation of the law, it is important that the court afford relief that ensures that respondents do not by their conduct, benefit rival political parties in breach of the constitution.

“It is also essential that no advantage be availed to anyone arising of breach of the law.

“It is this imperative that relief conducive to a proper audit of process be extended.

“That way, we would be put in a position in which we are able to secure our rights.

“For that reason, we pray for relief bearing on the provision of serial numbers as that would help make the entire process verifiable.”

Zimbabwe heads for the crunch poll next week with opponents arguing the current situation favours the ruling Zanu PF party which has control over the operations of ZEC.