Opinion / Columnist
Zec has no capacity to run free, fair elections
01 Apr 2022 at 09:13hrs | Views
ELECTION observer teams deployed by Heal Zimbabwe in the just-ended by-elections have expressed concern over the ability of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to preside over free and fair elections.
Observers noted that in most cases, Zec turned away several registered voters while in some cases the ruling Zanu-PF party violated the Electoral Act by campaigning in the vicinity of polling stations on the day of the election.
In Chivi South, Zec officials did nothing to stop Zanu-PF-branded vehicles from campaigning around polling stations.
Observers noted that such flagrant disregard of the Electoral Act casts doubt in Zec's capacity to preside over free and fair elections in 2023.
The reports also noted that the recording of voters' addresses and phone numbers under the guise of COVID-19 contact tracing by Zec at polling stations was also an act of intimidation.
In Gokwe Central, the Zanu-PF leadership told people at polling stations that collecting identity details of voters was meant to identify those who voted for "wrong" candidates.
To counter electoral malpractices, the observers noted that Zec should be independent in discharging its constitutional obligations.
Zec should also furnish political parties with the voters roll in time so that anomalies can be addressed.
Observers noted that in most cases, Zec turned away several registered voters while in some cases the ruling Zanu-PF party violated the Electoral Act by campaigning in the vicinity of polling stations on the day of the election.
In Chivi South, Zec officials did nothing to stop Zanu-PF-branded vehicles from campaigning around polling stations.
Observers noted that such flagrant disregard of the Electoral Act casts doubt in Zec's capacity to preside over free and fair elections in 2023.
In Gokwe Central, the Zanu-PF leadership told people at polling stations that collecting identity details of voters was meant to identify those who voted for "wrong" candidates.
To counter electoral malpractices, the observers noted that Zec should be independent in discharging its constitutional obligations.
Zec should also furnish political parties with the voters roll in time so that anomalies can be addressed.
Source - Newsday Zimbabwe
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