73 % of Zimbabwean mistrust ZEC - survey

Seventy-nine percent  of Zimbabweans do not trust the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) as they believe the body is compromised and manipulates election results, according to a survey conducted by the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI).

The survey, titled Zimbabwe Independent Commissions Supporting Democracy: Perceptions Towards Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, released this week reveals that Zimbabweans also believe the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) is not independent.

ZDI conducted the survey in Harare's high-density suburbs of Epworth, Hatcliffe and Highfield. The organisation interviewed 308 respondents, male and female, of varying ages of 18 and above.

The respondents were of the view that the composition of Zec influences electoral processes. Of the people interviewed 73% said they had lost trust in Zec and accused the body of failing to conduct previous elections in a credible manner.

"The majority distrust Zec because of its perceived partiality. The majority rated Zec's conduct of previous elections as very poor. An overwhelming majority (95%) of respondents is aware of Zec's existence compared to only 27% who are aware of the existence of Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC)," reads the report.

"Sixty-six percent have concerns about Zec's lack of independence and 61% have some reservations about the manner in which the appointments of commissioners are done. With ZHRC, the numbers are significantly lower: 57% doubt its independence and 47% have concerns about the appointment of its commissioners."