Back to Index

This article participates on the following special index pages:

The COPAC draft: An analysis of the proposed electoral system
Zimbabwe Election Support Network
August 08, 2012

ZESN held a public meeting at the New Ambassador Hotel on the 7th of August 2012. The topic was Constitutional Reform-The COPAC draft constitution: An analysis of the proposed electoral system: What are its pros and cons? There were three speakers from different political parties namely Prof John Makumbe (Academic), Dr Makoni (Mavambo - Kusile Dawn), Mrs Miriam Mushayi (MDC) and the moderator was Prof Rudo Gaidzanwa.

The major highlights were as follows:

• The speakers highlighted that the Draft proposes a hybrid system, retains the winner-takes-all system for the House of Assembly and introduces Proportional Representation for the Senate and commended it for its representative character.
• The speakers highlighted that the advantages of the hybrid system are that it enhances democracy, inclusivity, and it enables power sharing at the legislative level, retains broad representation (LIST-PR), widens political complexion of parliament, opens two gates into parliament (party & constituency), and consensus building amenable to gender equality.
• They commended the principles of the electoral system proposed such as that it must be conducted by secret ballot, free from violence and other electoral malpractices and ensure that all eligible citizens are registered as voters.
• Prof Makumbe's interpretation of the law on electoral violence was that any candidate found instilling violence would be disqualified. He commended this proposal as he believes that it will go a long way in ensuring a free and fair election and participation of women in politics as past elections have been characterized by electoral intimidation and violence.
• The MDCs said the electoral system is commendable as it provides that all political parties and candidates contesting an election or participating in a referendum should have fair and equal access to electronic and print media, both public and private.
• The MDC speaker hailed the proposition that this electoral system should ensure the timely resolution of electoral disputes. However, the public dismissed the use of "timely announcement" arguing that it is subject to abuse and demanded for a clear time frame.
• Two speakers applauded the constitution for reserving 60 non-constituency seats for women. However, this proved to be a contentious issue as Dr Simba Makoni argued that women are competent enough to contest in elections therefore there was no reason for the reservation of 60 seats. Further he mentioned that women should feel offended by the paltry 60 seats they were being offered. The public's view was that the additional 60 seats for women had its advantage of ensuring gender equality however the concern is an addition of more legislators on an already overblown parliament facing financial constraints. Some members of the public felt that the 60 could have been drawn or incorporated in the 210 existing seats rather than to create more seats and overburdening the already strained fiscal.
• Mrs Mushayi argued that there was nothing wrong with the 60 seats for women as Zimbabwe is a signatory to many regional and international instruments that supports gender equity. She urged men to move away from the notion of mentioning competency only when it comes to women as they are equal chances to find male legislators who are not competent.
• Some participants argued that there is no justification for the clause on 2 vice presidents given that Zimbabwe is a small country which is currently facing economic challenges.
• One participant expressed dissatisfaction over the failure by COPAC to release the national report as it denies citizens an opportunity to gauge whether their views are reflected in the draft.

In conclusion, the public meeting was well attended and there was a healthy exchange of ideas and views from the various political parties and the public. It can be noted that in general the political parties present were in agreement that the Draft was an improved document which deserved a chance to be put to the test of the referendum. The two MDC representatives pledged to call for a "yes" vote whereas Dr. Makoni, the interim President of the MKD argued that the document was not good enough for Zimbabwe.

Visit the ZESN fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP