What are we doing on electoral reforms?
Through our representatives in Parliament, we have crafted an Electoral Amendment Bill, which is now before Parliament. This Bill carries our demands for electoral reforms:
- respect for the right to vote, including implementation of the diaspora vote;
- accessible voter registration;
- a credible voters’ roll;
- the security of polling material;
- the security of the vote and clear dispute mechanisms;
- independent and credible polling staff;
- transitional mechanisms;
- credible results management system, including allowing parallel voter tabulation; and demand media reforms.
These demands will ensure that our country finally lays to rest the ghost of disputed elections, allowing us to finally move forward.
I wish to commend all our citizens working for change. Our meetings are routinely banned by those who fear us and our message. We are undeterred.
As we head toward elections, I wish to send out the following messages.
- To our competitors ZANU-PF, we are one. As we begin our campaigns, let us be civil and peaceful. We mean no harm. We do not hate you. We just love our nation more. Once we execute the citizens’ mandate, you too will enjoy the benefits of a strong economy, a currency you can be proud of, and the freedom to support the party of your choice.
- To the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, may I remind you of your constitutional duty to protect the sanctity of the vote and ensure that elections are free, fair and credible. Do not plunge the nation into anarchy because of bias. The citizens will be following your management of elections closely. We urge you to release the voters’ roll and comply with the law. Give everyone an equal opportunity to register to vote and stop voter suppression.
- For our state institutions, we call on you to serve all citizens without discrimination. Under our government, you will be better capacitated to serve. We will not loot state resources, but we will use them to strengthen your institutions and pay you a dignified, living wage.
- To traditional leaders, you are the custodians of our culture. You belong to all people. You have the authority to refuse any orders to commandeer your subjects. In our new Zimbabwe, we will support and honour you, and protect you from political abuse.
- To veterans and liberation war heroes, we love and honour you for your sacrifice. We know of the neglect that you are suffering. You are wallowing in poverty because of looting and corruption by a greedy few who betrayed the struggle. We will restore your dignity.
- For the Church, pray for peace and harmony. We thank the churches who have stood with the people. Churches must not be abused by politicians. We will support the church in its role of speaking truth to power.
- To the SADC region, all we ask for is that you defend the principles governing free and fair elections agreed to by all nations in the region.
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