ERC dismayed by Zec failure to avail audited accounts

THE Election Resource Centre (ERC) notes with dismay the failure by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to provide 2018 and 2019 accounts for audit to the Auditor-General.

We take this opportunity to remind Zec that the principles of public administration and leadership under section 195 of the Constitution require all institutions and agencies of government at all tiers to be: (a) accountable to Parliament (b) co-operate with each other and 196 (c) accountable to the public for their decisions and actions. Zec is not an exception, the commission must comply with the provisions of the law and best practices.

The use of finances by any election management body is governed by principles of administration of which transparency and accountability are key characteristics to foster trust and confidence.

As a public body, Zec has a responsibility to subject itself to public scrutiny and account for how it uses public funds.

Parliament, equally, has the responsibility, on behalf of citizens, to hold Zec to account periodically to foster a culture of transparency that should transcend all other functions of the public body.

If the use of public funds by an election commission is shrouded in secrecy, then chances are that the management of the elections themselves could also suffer the same fate.

We, therefore, encourage Zec to fully disclose its budgets and use of public funds as part of its efforts to build public and stakeholder confidence in its work.

The ERC insists that in-between elections, the prioritisation of the use of funds by Zec should be targeted at enhancing the integrity of the electoral process. Zimbabwe cannot afford another disputed election.

In light of the above, we recommend that:

Zec provides its accounts and financials to the Office of the Auditor-General for the years 2018 and 2019 for audit purposes.

Parliament of Zimbabwe through the relevant portfolio committee summons Zec to appear and be answerable for failure to submit the accounts for audit.

Zec must comprehensively consult election stakeholders and also provide its calendar of events and activities to ensure accountability to the citizens of Zimbabwe and electoral stakeholders.