News / National
'Zimbabwe's 10th Parly must reform electoral laws'
14 Sep 2023 at 01:33hrs | Views
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has called upon Zimbabwe's newly-elected Members of Parliament to advocate for electoral reforms aimed at ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in 2028 and beyond.
In a statement released yesterday, ERC elections consultant Taona Mwanyisa noted that Zimbabwe's electoral laws did not meet international and regional standards for conducting elections. Despite the adoption of a new Constitution in 2013 and holding two harmonized elections in 2013 and 2018, little progress has been made in aligning electoral laws with the Constitution.
Mwanyisa warned that without reforms to the electoral framework, the country would likely enter the 2028 harmonized elections with a flawed system that restricts citizens' equal participation, as observed in the 2023 elections.
He highlighted the potential for change, given the high tension and threats of violence in the country, and the fact that the newly elected Parliament comprises mostly young legislators who may be more inclined to push for electoral reforms.
"The recent harmonized elections have provided an opportunity for the newly sworn-in Members of Parliament to continue advocating for reforms that level the electoral playing field. The current political context offers genuine prospects for more extensive electoral reforms that can strengthen democratic governance. The election has created a chance to advance the democratic process, but this can only occur through meaningful changes to the electoral landscape."
Mwanyisa called on the 10th Parliament members to legitimize their future electoral victories by ensuring a fair electoral framework in the country.
He urged the newly elected representatives to work towards an electoral system that allows free and equal participation for all citizens. Critical reforms should focus on improving political representation, legitimacy, and inclusion, including reviewing legislation affecting the political and electoral environment. This includes extending the franchise to all Zimbabwean citizens worldwide, allowing diaspora voting.
Mwanyisa also emphasized the need to enhance the role of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in electoral processes. Proposed reforms should compel ZEC to adhere to clear guidelines when delineating electoral boundaries, and the Electoral Act should be amended to enhance transparency and consultation in the boundary delimitation process. Additionally, ZEC should be granted the authority to investigate electoral fraud allegations and take action against those found guilty. This could be accomplished by establishing an independent investigative unit dedicated to probing electoral fraud and related offenses.
In summary, ERC is urging the new Parliament to actively pursue electoral reforms that promote democratic principles, equal participation, and transparency in Zimbabwe's electoral processes.
In a statement released yesterday, ERC elections consultant Taona Mwanyisa noted that Zimbabwe's electoral laws did not meet international and regional standards for conducting elections. Despite the adoption of a new Constitution in 2013 and holding two harmonized elections in 2013 and 2018, little progress has been made in aligning electoral laws with the Constitution.
Mwanyisa warned that without reforms to the electoral framework, the country would likely enter the 2028 harmonized elections with a flawed system that restricts citizens' equal participation, as observed in the 2023 elections.
He highlighted the potential for change, given the high tension and threats of violence in the country, and the fact that the newly elected Parliament comprises mostly young legislators who may be more inclined to push for electoral reforms.
"The recent harmonized elections have provided an opportunity for the newly sworn-in Members of Parliament to continue advocating for reforms that level the electoral playing field. The current political context offers genuine prospects for more extensive electoral reforms that can strengthen democratic governance. The election has created a chance to advance the democratic process, but this can only occur through meaningful changes to the electoral landscape."
Mwanyisa called on the 10th Parliament members to legitimize their future electoral victories by ensuring a fair electoral framework in the country.
He urged the newly elected representatives to work towards an electoral system that allows free and equal participation for all citizens. Critical reforms should focus on improving political representation, legitimacy, and inclusion, including reviewing legislation affecting the political and electoral environment. This includes extending the franchise to all Zimbabwean citizens worldwide, allowing diaspora voting.
Mwanyisa also emphasized the need to enhance the role of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in electoral processes. Proposed reforms should compel ZEC to adhere to clear guidelines when delineating electoral boundaries, and the Electoral Act should be amended to enhance transparency and consultation in the boundary delimitation process. Additionally, ZEC should be granted the authority to investigate electoral fraud allegations and take action against those found guilty. This could be accomplished by establishing an independent investigative unit dedicated to probing electoral fraud and related offenses.
In summary, ERC is urging the new Parliament to actively pursue electoral reforms that promote democratic principles, equal participation, and transparency in Zimbabwe's electoral processes.
Source - newsday
