Source: Zec should publish elections roadmap – DailyNews Live
1 March 2018
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) should heed the call by
election watchdogs to immediately release a comprehensive election
operational plan and that they timeously avail crucial information for the
upcoming harmonised elections.
With only a few months before the crucial polls, the commission has not
yet published a comprehensive plan of action which will help Zec improve
its credibility and motivate voters.
In the previous elections, the lack of fundamental reforms, let alone late
presentation of the roadmap, have impacted on public confidence in the
process.
The election roadmap will enable political parties and civil society to
develop informed strategies to mobilise citizen participation and election
observation and monitoring.
Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network and Election Resource Centre, among
other election watchdogs, have been at the forefront, demanding this
comprehensive election operational plan which they argue can be used by
stakeholders to hold the elections management body accountable.
They believe a comprehensive plan is a clear indicator that there is no
rigging in the pre-poll period.
In publishing the roadmap on time, Zec can afford to instil confidence and
trust in its capability and capacity to run a free and fair election.
With Zec having awarded a tender to a New York-based company, IPSIDY, to
supply the biometric voter registration (BVR) de-duplication hardware and
software, which has been upheld by the Administrative Court, the
commission should now give clear timelines for the remaining processes.
As the de-duplication process begins, election watchdogs are also calling
for Zec to emphasise the importance of integrity, transparency and
accountability, which are internationally-recognised principles in
election administration.
The election watchdogs’ call for Zec to develop and publicise clear
timelines for release of the final voters’ roll; timeously release its
first draft to allow for inspection, audits and release of a credible
document ahead of the forthcoming elections and, immediately release a
comprehensive election operational plan all need support.
Zec is also urged to shed more light on the actual process that will be
taking place at each stage to enable preparations. And that Zec should
engage with stakeholders to ensure that the process is clearly understood
and that citizens get correct information.
Voters will also need time to familiarise themselves with what is expected
of them while political parties also need to be engaged as they prepare
their strategies.
Lack of transparency at this stage poisons the electoral process because
there are still processes which we hope will be open to all citizens, and
that they will be allowed to assemble without fear of violence.
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