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Zimbabwe @ 33
Election
Resource Centre
April 17, 2013
The Election
Resource Centre joins the rest of the nation in celebrating 33 years
of independence in Zimbabwe. The date marks a commemoration of the
shared sweat and sacrifice made by the gallant sons and daughters
who fought an armed struggle to liberate the nation from colonial
and repressive bondage. The intention was to achieve total freedom
in all respects which include but are not limited to political,
economic and social participation. More importantly was to attain
universal suffrage which is exercised through one woman/man - one
vote.
Our pre-independence
historic epoch details the lack of freeness in a host of issues
relating to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, movement,
political association, freedom to choose, equality and justice.
Independence
principally restored these fundamental freedoms through legal and
constitutional provisions.
However, the
country has been marred with negative political developments manifesting
through disputed elections, constricted democratic space, political
intolerance, voter apathy, violence and lack of fundamental freedoms
with young people and women bearing the brunt. Electoral processes
and chiefly elections remains among one of the critical vehicles
used to measure the upholding and realization of such freedoms.
The Election Resource Centre congratulates Zimbabwe for achieving
the feet of holding regular and periodic elections since attaining
independence. Nonetheless, the existing political and legal landscape
cavities the fruits of independence. The nation should seek to achieve
the holding of undisputed and violence free elections with the aim
to bring back the spectacle and solemnity associated with the 1980
independence celebrations.
On the other
hand, it is of importance to note the positive strides Zimbabwe
as a nation has attained working towards restoration of the aims
and gains of independence. The Government
of National Unity (GNU) which was consummated in 2009 with an
intention to provide political stability is one major step. The
recently approved
draft constitution a home grown product of the GNU is one key
cornerstone to achieving the objectives of independence.
Given the above, let us continue cherishing each Zimbabwean’s
voting right which we attained through a protracted struggle for
independence by;
- Holding
of free and fair elections which shall be the basis for those
who seek to govern.
- Recognize,
uphold and respect all the fundamental freedoms and the right
to life.
- Eradicate
all forms of violence and discrimination.
- Promote political
tolerance and celebrate political plurality.
The Election
Resource Centre ends by congratulating all those working towards
the realization of the ideals of the struggle for independence.
As the nation cherishes the fruits of independence the year of voting
is upon us, celebrate independence by registering to vote and voting
in the next elections!
Visit the Election
Resource Centre fact
sheet
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