The Impact of Voter and Civil Education on Voter Turnout for the Period 2000 to 2013: A Case of Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of voter and civic education on voter turnout, in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe for, the period 2000 to 2013. This was in a bid to suggest ways on how voter and civic education can be used as tools to increase voter turnout. The descriptive survey design, using qualitative and quantitative methods was used as a methodology. Questionnaires and interviews were used as instruments to collect data. Documentary review was also used to provide information on voter and civic education. The study used a sample of seventy four(74) respondents, comprising of eight(8) Zimbabwe Electoral Commission officials, five(5) Civic organisation officials, fourteen(14) Ministry of Education officials, twenty one (21) members of the electorate, twelve(12) members of parliament and councillors and fourteen(14) advanced level students. Purposive, convenient and random sampling was used in this study. The data collected was presented in tabular form, bar graphs and pie charts. The results showed that, voter and civic education had an impact on voter turnout in Zimbabwe, Manicaland province, where the voter turnout has been below fifty percent of the potential voters in the province. There has been low turnout since 2000 which has been below fifty percent. It was established that, organisations that provided civic and voter education faced challenges of shortage of resources and lack of clear policy on and civic education. The study recommends that, voter and civic education should be conducted on a continuous basis and that it be part of the education curriculum. It is also recommended that, ZEC should continuously engage stakeholders to map out strategies for imparting effective voter and civic education. Finally, it is recommended that, the government should avail adequate resource to conduct voter and civic education programmes. Further studies should be carried out to find out ways the voter and civic education can improve voter turnout in Manicaland province.