Zesn blames recalls of opposition members for low voter turnout
THE Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) has blamed low voter turnout in the just ended by-elections on incessant recalls of opposition members. The election watchdog said the low number of voters at polling stations was an indication of voter protest.
The observation comes at a time when self-proclaimed Citizens Coalition for Change interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has been on a rampage recalling 15 CCC lawmakers and 17 councillors alleging that they had ceased to be members of the opposition party.
The latest recalls triggered the need for by-elections to choose new representatives in Mkoba North, Goromonzi South, Seke, Pelandaba-Tshabalala, Zvimba East and Chegutu West constituencies thereby drawing the ire of the public and several civic organisations which called for the amendment of the recall clause.
In its preliminary assessment report for the just ended by-elections, Zesn said it noted with concern the decline in voter participation, which could be seen as a form of voter protest, particularly in response to recalls.
“The influence of recalls on the democratic character of elections is apparent in the decreasing voter participation witnessed in by-elections subsequent to the 2023 harmonised elections,” the report read.
According to the election watchdog, voter apathy erodes the core principles of democracy.
“Moreover, inadequate intra-party democracy, procedural deficiencies, and shortcomings in the regulations governing the selection of candidates could be recognised as elements contributing to the low turnout, impacting voters' motivation and active participation in electoral processes.”
Zesn also said although section 67 of the Constitution provided the right of every Zimbabwean to vote, there appeared to be a limited uptake in exercising this constitutional right among eligible voters in the country, particularly during by elections.
“Observers reported that there was a low turnout of voters exercising their constitutional right to select their preferred representatives in the six (6) National Assembly and local authority byelections.
“Voter turnout was very low across all the six constituencies. Overall, Mkoba North recorded 14,6% voter turnout. In Pelandaba-Tshabalala turnout stood at 11,73% and in Goromonzi South 18,1% cast their ballots. In comparison to the other three constituencies, voter turnout was relatively higher in Chegutu West with 33,5%, Zvimba East 31,6% and Seke 30,18%.”
Zesn also said there was a rise in the number of rejected ballots that were recorded against the backdrop of low voter turnout, indicating voter fatigue or protest.
“For example, Goromonzi South recorded 369 rejected votes, Seke (313) Zvimba East (262) Pelandaba-Tshabalala (212) Chegutu West (191) and Mkoba North with 185. The same trend was witnessed across all electoral constituencies during the December 9, 2023 by-elections.”
“The by-elections for the National Assembly on February 3, 2024, took place in an atmosphere of low voter education and growing voter apathy in the nation.
“Zesn reiterates its call that Parliament develop legislation, especially to amend section 129(k) of the Constitution, to prevent recalls from being carried out arbitrarily, which would put a burden on the national budget and reduce the value of the vote,” added Zesn.
The election watchdog urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and other electoral stakeholders to continue supporting voter education efforts to ensure that the electorate is well informed about electoral processes in order to enhance participation.
“There is a need to ensure the safety and security of observers when discharging their duties without fear of reprisal to ensure public confidence in the electoral process and electoral credibility.
“It is imperative to establish clear mechanisms for the protection of observers, including legal frameworks that explicitly prohibit any form of harassment or reprisal against them.”
Zesn also called upon political parties to promote a culture of non-violence and tolerance in order to ensure that citizens participate freely in electoral processes.