By Nyasha Mutena
Harare, Zimbabwe (News Of The South) – In a move that is expected to clear the obstacles and lessen the gruesome burdens and inconsistences that have designed the past national elections, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has launched a compendium this afternoon.
Addressing journalists and other stakeholders, ZESN Chairman, Mr Andrew Makoni said this is the first time ZEN has come up with a compendium of this nature based on election observer mission’s recommendations because previously it was being informed by SADC and AU recommendations.
Mr Makoni said it is their core business to ensure that there are democratic elections and to fulfil this obligation, ZESN has designed a tracking tool which is going to monitor the periods before and after elections in the form of thematic reforms.
He went on to say that these reforms will include fostering for the already recommended strengthening of legislation governing media coverage of elections so as to ensure fair, balanced and responsible reporting.
He said they are emulating most observer missions which categorized their reforms into 15 thematic areas including electoral framework which suggests the setting up of an inclusive committee that will deliberate on political, administrative and legal reforms, legislative framework to align electoral laws to the Supreme Law of the country, civic awareness and voter education which will ensure the Electoral Act is reviewed to expand ZEC’s mandate to deliver programs covering both civic awareness on a continual basis throughout the election cycle and continuous voter education.
Mr Makoni also said this compendium is advocating for the independence of the media, amendment of its law in line with constitution to safeguard freedom of expression and the need for ZEC to ensure the media complies with its legal obligations on balanced coverage of all political parties.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Commissioner Joyce Kazembe commented ZESN for its undaunted support and executing its duties thoroughly in the national elections.
“We are really excited to be working with you and this is a good starting point, ZESN has a record of doing a thorough job and we are really positive this is a proper way to move ahead of the 2023 elections,” she said.
She also said there was an urgent need to lobby parliament so that it pays attention to some of the recommendations by ZESN instead of allowing it to play the blame game and take cognizant the fact that in the past the blame has always been directed towards the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
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