‘Zec should be independent’ – NewsDay

LEGAL think tank Veritas has criticized the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) for seeking approval of the regulations from the parent ministry, arguing that this undermines the independence of the commission.

Stakeholders, including voters, have often raised concerns about political meddling in Zec’s affairs, with accusations that Zanu PF influences the commission’s decisions.

“There should not be a need to get regulations approved by the minister. He should be independent in his decisions,” Veritas said in its latest report on the Electoral Amendment Act recommendations.

“The commission should be able to issue codes of conduct for traditional leaders, public officials and media personnel during elections.”

Veritas said Zec should be protected from political interference to foster transparency and credibility in holding elections.

“Zec should be more transparent in all its activities, for example in its meetings and decisions. It should publish an electoral calendar and should be able to postpone elections when necessary as we head towards 2028,” Veritas said.

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Zec’s independence has been a contentious issue, and past incidents highlighted the challenges the electoral body faces in maintaining impartiality.

Zec chairwoman Priscilla Chigumba once said the electoral management body’s recommendations on amending the Electoral Law to ensure credible elections were rejected by the ruling Zanu PF party.

For years, Zimbabwe’s election results have been disputed and Zec found himself at the center of the disputes.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to improve the way elections are held, but the opposition continues to accuse the Zanu PF government of manipulating Zec.

After the 2018 elections, observation missions called for the harmonization of the Electoral Law with the Constitution, among other recommendations.