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Zimbabwe Election Watch Issue No. 14
Sokwanele
January 01, 2008

http://www.sokwanele.com/articles/sokwanele/zew_issue14_010108.html

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Executive Summary

In this final issue of Zimbabwe Election Watch for 2007, the articles logged place a stronger emphasis on the overall political and electoral climate than on specific examples of violations of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

For example, Freeman Forward Chari, Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Youth Movement, writes in an article published by the Association of Zimbabwe Journalists: "Militarisation of Zimbabwe - Does the opposition stand a chance?"

Chari notes that, "in 2002, it became clear that the military had diverted from its constitutional mandate into civilian politics" and asks that, "as we brace for another presidential election, is the 2002 threat not going to be sent out again?"

He writes, "If you add up 35 000 war veterans, 200 000 ZPMs (Zanu PF's Zimbabwe People's Militia - created between 1980 and 1987 during the period of the Gukurahundi massacres), 30 000 from National Youth Service and 15 000 retirees (from the police and army), we have a total of 100 000 civilians who have at least basic military education and training. To this number add 35 000 from the army, 5 000 from the air force, 25 000 from the police, 10 000 from prisons and about 15 000 from the Central Intelligence Organisation - at least 190 000 people . . . ."

Chari then lists the names of the military personnel who control or hold senior positions in "the strategic entities that strictly deal with civilians". In summary, he notes that Zanu-PF controls: Food (Grain Marketing Board), Transport, Energy, Fuel and Power, Industry, Trade, Sport, Youth, the Attorney General and Elections.

He asks: "Can the civilians of this country go and impose their right to vote on an institution controlled by the military, funded by the military and run by the military, with the military fielding a man (Commander-in-Chief) in the elections?

For further information, refer to Issue 7 of ZEW, dated 26 September 2007, in which Dr Francois Vrey from the University of Stellenbosch wrote that "Militarisation underpins much of Zimbabwe's security culture and directs many of the events on the political landscape..."

In an article published in the Zimbabwe Standard, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network stresses the critical importance of election monitoring and election observing. It points out that the SADC Guidelines, particularly Section 7.8, note the rationale of deploying observers to "ensure transparency and integrity of the entire electoral process." The article reminds readers that, in the 2005 parliamentary elections, many observer missions were denied a chance to observe the elections by the government.

In their latest pastoral letter, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference discusses insights with regard to a credible electoral process for responsible and accountable leadership. The letter expresses concern that past elections have been marred by controversy and violence, and notes that the same concerns they cited in a pastoral letter in 2004 still exist.

The Mutambara faction of the MDC's secretary for information and publicity, Gabriel Chaibva, says March 2008 is too soon for an election as there is not enough time to implement what has been agreed on at the mediation talks.

The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) has dismissed the recent amendments to the Electoral Act, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Public Order and Security Act and the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act in the belief that they are a ploy to entrench the government's power. The NCA says attempts to impose piecemeal amendments to the constitution will be vigorously defended and rejected.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has expressed deep concern regarding the recent gazetting and subsequent fast-tracking of the Bills by both Houses of Parliament. ZLHR notes that this evidences "a worrying and flagrant lack of respect for processes allowing public input and scrutiny of legislation", and that "the Bills were drafted, presented and passed without any input from stakeholders within civil society."

Zimbabwe's state-controlled media commission has ordered journalists to apply for new licences, apparently ignoring moves by the government to tone down press laws. The Media and Information Commission (MIC) said reporters, newspapers and foreign news agencies would need to apply for new licences by December 31 if they wanted to operate for another year.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum's Political Violence Report for November reports on the violent attacks on activists during demonstrations organised by Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA). The total number of human rights violations documented by the organisation between 1 January and 30 November stands at 8 569.

On 19 December, The Zimbabwean newspaper reported that police had barred MDC legislator for Kuwadzana, Nelson Chamisa, from holding his graduation celebration gala, arguing that he needed permission under the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), which prohibits the gathering of more than four people. Two days later, Chamisa was granted permission - on condition no one mentioned the name of President Mugabe or made political statements.

Finally, Sokwanele would like to express appreciation for your concern, support and encouragement throughout the year. We wish you success and blessings in the year ahead.

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