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Response to government's proposed amendments to the Electoral Act
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
November 07, 2001

ZESN has noted the article in the front page of The Herald of today (07 November 2001) concerning proposed amendments to the Electoral Act.

We recognise Government’s constitutional right to effect amendments of an act using its slim parliamentary majority. However, we implore the Executive to reach out to broader civil society and to be more accommodating. It should be noted that flawed electoral processes are often a cause of conflict.

We note that it would be highly irregular for civil servants to monitor themselves. This would be equivalent to a candidate marking his/her own examination script. Further, it could be reasonably argued by other contesting candidates that some civil servants could be under some pressure to side with the candidate from the ruling party.

We reiterate that it is absolutely imperative that that there be an Independent Electoral Commission, and not the mere addition of civil servants to the existing Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC). An Independent Electoral Commission is an essential prerequisite for free and fair elections. We also propose that appointed electoral commissioners be vetted by a bipartisan parliamentary select committee before confirmation.

In the meantime, ZESN will further intensify voter education and election monitoring which is already underway. Election monitoring is not just an event on the eve of elections; it is an ongoing process which includes early and continuous monitoring of voter education, voter registration, politically motivated violence, media coverage, etc. We will not shy away from both our right and duty to observe the coming elections. We therefore reiterate that there be early accreditation of both local monitors and observers and foreign observers.

In the meantime, the ZESN Board will be meeting over the weekend as part of our ongoing consultations on these matters. Thereafter, we will consult our broader membership and other stakeholders, including the relevant government departments and parliament.

Finally, we also take this opportunity to put at Government’s disposal the electoral monitoring expertise and resources we have painstakingly developed over several years. We reiterate that government and civil society can work together for the betterment of our society and for the promotion of democracy, human rights and good governance in Zimbabwe.

Dr Reginald Matchaba-Hove
Chairperson
07 November 2001

Zimbabwe Election Support Network – P.O Box BE 630 Belvedere, Harare.
Telefax +263-(0)4-480148/9
E-mail zesn@africaonline.co.zw

View the ZESN fact sheet

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