Heal Zimbabwe welcomes Independent Commissions interviews

Heal Zimbabwe a civil, human and political rights group yesterday hailed the government's move to enable public interviews of the independent commissioners saying the move promotes democratic processes and is a welcome development for the nation.

"Heal Zimbabwe welcomes the move by the Parliament of Zimbabwe to shortlist candidates to be interviewed for four of the five Independent Commissions that support Democracy in line with the country's new Constitution," reads its statement.

 The interviews are scheduled for 23-25 March 2015.

"The Independent Commissions supporting democracy are established in Chapter 12 of the Constitution. The four Commissions with shortlisted candidates are; the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC), and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC)," reads the statement.

"Six candidates have been shortlisted for the ZHRC, 12 for ZEC, 30 for ZGC, while 33 have been shortlisted for the NPRC."

Heal Zimbabwe also commended the Parliament for inviting interested members of the general public, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe and all civic society organisations to witness interviews of prospective Commissioners.

 "Heal Zimbabwe however buttresses the Constitutional Requirements for Independent Commissions not to, Act in a partisan manner, Further the interests of any political party or cause, Prejudice the lawful interests of any political party, Violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person," reads the statement.

The Organisation further called for the Government to ensure that the enabling Act for the NPRC is put in place before proceeding with the appointment of the Commissioners, officially publish the list of shortlisted candidates for the public to see the available nominees.

"Heal Zimbabwe notes with concern that the lifespan of the NPRC is fast running out with about 8 years remaining from its 10 year tenure," reads its statement.

"To date, the snail's pace in the composition of the NPRC has been disheartening. It has been almost a year since the public call for nominations for the Independent Commissions. Heal Zimbabwe also implores the Government to increase pace in establishing the NPRC so that it can commence its constitutional mandate of ensuring post-conflict justice, healing and reconciliation."