Drivers licence removal as proof of identity irks Veritas

Source: Drivers licence removal as proof of identity irks Veritas -Newsday Zimbabwe

LEGAL think-tank Veritas has questioned the removal of driver’s licence as proof of identity in the proposed Electoral Bill that was approved by Cabinet last week.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the amendments included the timeframe within which Parliament and local authority candidates could withdraw from contesting in an election and incorporation of the 30% women and youth quotas, among others.

However, Veritas said the removal of driver’s licences would negatively affect eligible voters.

“At present, the Electoral Act defines proof of identity as including Zimbabwe passports, national IDs and driver’s licences.  The amendment will remove driver’s licences from the list.

“They should be allowed to do this because driver’s licences are a perfectly acceptable form of identification, and voters who come to a polling station should not have to prove their citizenship.  They have already proved they are citizens when they registered on the voters roll.”