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Concerns for urgent attention on the forthcoming harmonized elections
Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ)
February 08, 2008

1. The prevailing electoral environment is not conducive to free and fair elections in that, the voter registration process and requirements are cumbersome and thereby limiting full participation of all citizens. In some areas voter registration was not adequately done. We are aware of the amendments made, but in reality the situation is still the same as it was before the amendments.
2. That there has been inadequate preparation and voter education on the electoral process in the new harmonized elections such that confusion continues to exist today as to the manner in which such elections will be conducted. We would like to remind the relevant authorities and the citizens that elections are a process and not a once off event.
3. That, the elections are going to be held in March 2008, there is not enough time for various political parties to roll out their campaign programs. That the known month of election which is March, which was compromised by the talks that were taking place in South Africa, parties and people would need more time to prepare.
4. That with only one and half months to the election the public still remains unclear on the delineated boundaries of their constituencies, wards, the contesting candidates and the parties which will contest.
5. The appointment and composition of the electoral body, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is illegal after the amendment. We strongly recommend that the old ZEC be dissolved with immediate effect and a new one be appointed in terms of the new law.
6. That over three million eligible voters living in the Diaspora are disenfranchised yet they contribute significantly to the country's economic and social development.
7. Those legislative enactments e.g. The Public Order and Security Act (POSA), The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) continue to be an obstacle to the freedoms required for the preparation and conduct of a free and fair election even after the many much diluted amendments.
8. That contrary to the past elections, ethical responsibility on the part of the public media demands that political parties and candidates be accorded adequate and equal space to its resources. The public media should be open in good time for all players and all should conduct their business in good faith.

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