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Masvingo legislators critique electoral reforms
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
July 13, 2010

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition on 09 July 2010 convened a meeting for Parliamentarians and civil society leaders in Masvingo, to discuss electoral reforms born out of the merger of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act and the Electoral Act, as agreed by the principals of the three political parties in the Inclusive government (IG).

The objective of the meeting was to consult legislators and representatives of civil society on the electoral reforms and provide a platform for discussion, with the overall aim of positively influencing the administration of future elections in Zimbabwe. The 43 people that attended the meeting consisted of 28 men and 15 women among them 23 legislators: 14 from MDC and 9 from ZANU PF. Also in attendance were, 3 chiefs including the President of the Council of Chiefs, Senator Fortune Charambira and 17 representatives of the civil society in Masvingo.

The discussions were preceded by a paper presented by Mr. Dereck Charamba, the Masvingo Public Prosecutor under topic: "Amendments to the electoral law; are they adequate to deliver a free and fair election". In his presentation the recurring issue was that political will is more important than electoral reforms that are put on paper. After the presentation, participants engaged in discussions, which were chaired by the Coalition's Programme Manager Mr. Pedzisai Ruhanya. The key issue that emerged from the discussion include:

Who makes laws: The general feeling among parliamentarians was that parliament has been reduced to rubber stamping what has been agreed elsewhere through negotiations or otherwise.

The role of Parliament: Parliament has the prerogative to interrogate and scrutinize laws, based on the views and aspirations of the people they represent. There is need to regularly consult the people on various issues including the Electoral Act.

The current constitution making process: the reforms to the act may be in contradiction with the constitution making process, if some sections of the amendments to the electoral Act are in contradiction with the constitution, the reforms will be unconstitutional since the constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Voter registration: Registration of voters at a particular polling station which will become their sole polling station will force voters to walk long distances to vote especially in rural areas.

The role of the police in the election process: The police should not be partisan and security on the polling day alone is not enough but rather before, during and after polling. Police officers should be educated on the protection of Human Rights since some of them are former youth service graduates who may not have received proper orientation.

Visually impaired: According to the reforms the visually impaired will vote with assistance of a person of their choice in the presence of the presiding officer. Some lawmakers argued that the presence of a presiding officer takes away the secrecy of the vote.

Announcement of results: The local government, Parliamentary and presidential election results should be announced in the same 24 hours. There is need to take advantage of the improved technology and avoid further violence due to delays in announcement of election results.

Depoliticisation of the office of the Attorney general (AG): the post of the AG requires a neutral person who can instill confidence across the political divide. The current AG has confessed to belonging to a particular political party and is generally viewed to favour his political party.

Delimitation: Political parties should not use the delimitation process to influence the outcome of the results.

The legislators and civil society leaders recommended an overhaul of the electoral Act, instead of piecemeal solutions through amendments. There was a call for a political will from parties in the IG, before reforms to the electoral act may be adequate to guarantee indisputable, free and fair elections.

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