Today, the Government of Japan extended support to Zimbabwe by signing over a US$ 1.44 million (JPY 200 million) grant with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support capacity building of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

This assistance builds on Japan’s previous financial support in the 2018 electoral cycle. Together with the other partners, the combined contribution facilitated the creation of, for the first time in Zimbabwe, a new voters’ roll using the biometric voter registration system. In addition, it also supported the roll-out of countrywide voter education campaigns and facilitated engagement of electoral stakeholders.

The Government of Japan’s continued assistance will strengthen the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission efforts to hold inclusive and credible elections as per their Constitutional mandate.  Specifically, this grant will be invested in inclusive voter education, in promoting women’s participation in the electoral process, and to increase access for people with disabilities.

Speaking at the signing event, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon said “The signing goes beyond the financial contribution. It is an affirmation of the strong partnership to support the electoral process in Zimbabwe. A partnership to which the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is of course central”.

Japan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Satoshi Tanaka said “"The upcoming 2023 Harmonised Elections are a vital opportunity for all Zimbabweans to shape their future. I look forward to further improvements to the electoral process through the ZIM-ECO2 project, so that these elections are even more inclusive, credible, and peaceful. I especially hope that women and people with disabilities will have confidence that they can and should cast their votes."

Acknowledging the support from the Japanese Government, the Deputy Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Honourable Ambassador Rodney Kiwa said “This financial support will assist the Commission to fulfil its constitutional mandate which is critical in consolidating democracy in the country.”

UNDP will be collaborating with UNESCO and UN Women in supporting the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in its capacity building efforts.

The signing event was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, and from the United Nations.