By Kelvin Kasiwulaya
In a bid to ensure the integrity of the upcoming Zimbabwe elections, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has outlined the necessary conditions for free and fair elections.
With the 2023 elections drawing near, ZESN emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic principles and providing a level playing field for all parties involved.
Under the banner of promoting fair elections, ZESN has outlined a comprehensive set of criteria that should be met to ensure the credibility of the electoral process. “What constitutes free and fair elections?” ZESN asks, before listing a range of crucial elements.
These elements, as defined by ZESN, include impartial voter education programs, freedom of movement, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and association, equal opportunities for political parties and independent candidates to stand for election, a transparent electoral process, and the absence of exclusion from the electoral register.
ZESN also stresses the need for an independent and impartial election commission, as well as the impartial treatment of candidates by the police, army, and courts of law. Equal access to publicly controlled media is deemed essential, as is the avoidance of any misuse of government facilities for campaign purposes.
To protect the sanctity of the electoral process, ZESN calls for unfettered access to all polling stations for representatives of parties, local and international observers, and the media. Secrecy of the ballot and the absence of intimidation and harassment of voters are other fundamental requirements.
Furthermore, ZESN highlights the significance of effective design of ballot papers, proper ballot boxes, impartial assistance to voters, transparency in counting and results management, proper treatment of valid ballot papers, and the implementation of precautionary measures when transporting election materials.
Of equal importance, ZESN advocates for the official and expeditious announcement of election results, impartial and expeditious treatment of any election complaints, and impartial reports on the election results by the media. Furthermore, ZESN emphasizes the necessity of acceptance of election results by all stakeholders, regardless of the outcome.
As the countdown to the 2023 elections continues, it is essential that all stakeholders, including government officials, political parties, the media, civil society organizations, and the general public, actively work together to implement and uphold the standards outlined by ZESN. Only through this collective effort can Zimbabwe truly achieve free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people.