This study analyses different perspectives of the challenges and opportunities of using Web 2.0 technology with specific reference to Zimbabwe’s 2018 general elections. It discusses digital tools and resources such as social networking sites (SNSs) and biometric voter registration (BVR) for the management of the voters’ roll. The study includes in-depth interviews with several politicians and ZEC officials to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Web 2.0 in Zimbabwe’s elections. Informed by theoretical concepts on technology and politics, the study establishes that technology is not a panacea but can be used as an apparatus. This study concludes that political institutions in Zimbabwe should reach consensus that the country will not conduct another election until electoral reforms are implemented because technology alone cannot overcome political challenges. Thus, the election monitoring body should be sufficiently credible to ensure a free and fair election.

This study analyses different perspectives of the challenges and opportunities
of using Web 2.0 technology with specific reference to Zimbabwe’s 2018
general elections. It discusses digital tools and resources such as social
networking sites (SNSs) and biometric voter registration (BVR) for the
management of the voters’ roll. The study includes in-depth interviews
with several politicians and ZEC officials to discuss the challenges and
opportunities of Web 2.0 in Zimbabwe’s elections. Informed by theoretical
concepts on technology and politics, the study establishes that technology
is not a panacea but can be used as an apparatus. This study concludes that
political institutions in Zimbabwe should reach consensus that the country
will not conduct another election until electoral reforms are implemented
because technology alone cannot overcome political challenges. Thus, the
election monitoring body should be sufficiently credible to ensure a free and
fair election.