Zec must adopt international best practices to boost stakeholder confidence

THE Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) has noted recent concerns and allegations levelled against the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) on several administrative anomalies on the voters’ roll. The allegations have a bearing on the credibility of Zimbabwe’s elections.

Zesn is not in a position to validate the allegations as it does not have the voters’ roll that was used in the scientific computer analysis.

The voter registration process is the backbone of any election. Transparency, accuracy, completeness, current or updated and inclusiveness are key aspects to ensure the integrity of a voter registration process and the credibility of a voters’ roll.

Thus the accuracy of the voter register is a key element in ensuring that all eligible citizens can enjoy their fundamental right to vote, while acting as a safeguard against attempts to manipulate the process.

Zesn notes with deep concern that the allegations on the voters’ roll anomalies, such as changes made to polling stations without consulting stakeholders, gazetting or informing voters whose polling stations were changed among other issues may worsen the lack of trust in Zec.

If these allegations are true, Zec might have infringed the Electoral Act, which guides the administration of electoral processes in Zimbabwe, in particular sections 22A(2), 33(4), 35(2) which stipulate that the electoral management body should consult all interested parties when determining the location of polling stations and the areas that the polling stations serve; removals from the voters’ roll and the publishing in the Gazette of all alterations to the voter’s roll that are made without the oral or written consent of a voters.

Lack of communication with citizens about such changes in the voters’ roll can disenfranchise potential voters, create perceptions of possible manipulation or fraud and more so can remove trust and confidence in ensuing electoral processes and election results.

Zesn reiterates its call for Zec to consider independent audits of the voters roll by reputable audit companies as a way to build trust and confidence in the voters’ roll.

Zesn further urges Zec to avail the voters’ roll to other key electoral stakeholders who may indicate an interest to analyse and triangulate the information.

Zesn implores Zec to put in place ways/mechanisms to enhance citizens and multi-stakeholder confidence in all electoral processes guided by the electoral laws of Zimbabwe as well as regional and instrumental instruments on the conduct of democratic elections.

Zesn will continue with its oversight role to promote transparency in electoral processes including the voter registration process.

Zesn