We have come a long way to be here today. The current government which took over from former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017 did so under the pretext that it was going to ensure a free, fair and credible election in 2018.
What we are currently witnessing is a regime that simply talks but does not intend to hold credible elections. We are moving towards a violent free but illegitimate election.
The Zimbabwe constitution in s156 on the conduct of elections and referendums states that:
At every election and referendum, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must ensure that-
(a) whatever voting method is used, it is simple, accurate, verifiable, secure and transparent;…
(c) appropriate systems and mechanisms are put in place-
(i) to eliminate electoral violence and other electoral malpractices; and
(ii) to ensure the safekeeping of electoral materials.
Our supreme law clearly envisages a verifiable, secure and transparent election. No one can therefore deny Zimbabweans this entrenched right.
Because of our history of manipulated elections in Zimbabwe, the crisis of credible elections is born out of the mistrust between the government and the people which can only be cured if ZEC and government conducts electoral processes in the utmost transparent manner.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission which is constitutionally charged with the administration of elections has shown that it is either incapable or unwilling to provide Zimbabweans with a verifiable, secure and transparent election as required by our law and international standards governing democratic elections.
There has been an insensitive disregard for the principles of transparency. Among other very pertinent issues;
- ZEC has refused to provide stakeholders with a proper Voters’ Roll as compiled and required by the Electoral Act.
- ZEC has refused parties an opportunity to observe the printing of ballot papers and proceeded to print without the knowledge and input of stakeholders.
- ZEC has not put in place mechanisms for joint storage of the printed ballots in a secure manner.
- ZEC has not put in place mechanisms of transparent distribution of printed ballot papers.
5.ZEC has allowed the state media to run a smear campaign against opposition candidates.
Our Constitution is very clear in section 155 that a candidate must “have reasonable access to all material and information necessary for them to participate effectively”. These materials include the voters roll in its final form and the process of printing ballot papers. ZEC has so far failed to meet these requirements.
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